If you’re looking for new or used forklift trucks for sale, then you need to make sure that you know how to operate them safely.
Let’s look at some of the safe operating protocols that we, at First Forklifts, recommend.
Standard Protocols For Unloading Trucks
No matter which side you’re unloading from, the first step is to make sure the trailer curtain is open and that the forklift forks are straight and square to the load.
Make sure that you don’t raise the forks until you are only a few feet away from the trailer. Raising them too soon could block your view and become a safety hazard. When you do raise them, make absolutely sure that the forks are not under the trailer.
Once they are raised, line the forks up with the pallet pockets provided. Slowly and carefully, insert the forks into the pockets until the load meets the backrest. If the pallets are packed tightly together, a side shift can be fitted to the forklift to create a small gap between loads. This can help prevent accidental product damage during the unloading process.
With the load safely positioned on the forks and resting securely against the load backrest, a small degree of lift and back tilt can be applied to ensure stability. With this procedure executed, you can reverse slowly and extract the load from the truck trailer.
Keep reversing slowly away from the trailer until the forks are completely clear. Only once the forks are completely clear of the trailer can you begin to lower the load. Set it down so it can be inspected for any damage before continuing.
If there is an issue with the load at this stage, it should be noted, and the load should be put aside. However, assuming the load is in good condition, it should then be transported to its stacking destination.
Key Safety Checks Before Unloading
Before you even start any forklift loading and unloading procedures, it’s prudent for you first to carry out a thorough inspection of both the forklift and the truck trailer. This will help you detect any issues that could cause an accident so you can circumvent it.
Here are some things you should check on the forklift:
- Assess the forklift for proper fluid levels. This involves checking things like engine oil, coolant, hydraulic fluid, transmission fluid, and brake fluid. You should also keep an eye on battery electrolyte and/or fuel levels.
- Check the tyre pressure on all four wheels. A visual inspection should be sufficient.
- Make sure that all controls are functioning correctly by running a quick test.
Here are some of the things you should inspect on the truck trailer:
- Confirm that the truck trailer is parked on a level surface. If the surface isn’t level, the load could tilt and become unstable when unloading.
- Make double-sure that the brakes are fully engaged to prevent any movement during unloading. If the trailer moves during unloading, serious injury could occur.
Another thing you should always check before forklift unloading is the dock or bridge plate used to bridge the gap between the truck trailer and the loading dock.
Make sure that this plate is securely positioned and capable of supporting the combined weight of the forklift and the load. The last thing you want is for this plate to shift or collapse when in use, as it could result in a serious accident.
Other Things To Keep In Mind
If you’re unloading a truck using a forklift, it is important to ensure that the curtain is properly pulled away. If not, it can become a hazard during pallet removal and lead to accidents.
All ratchet straps and harnesses must also be properly removed from the pallets to ensure smooth load removal. It is generally standard practice to unload a truck trailer from back to front, leaving the heaviest loads towards the front for last.
When unloading, be mindful of the truck trailer roof (if it has one).
Operator Training Is Critical
At the end of the day, you can have the best equipment and most well-thought-out forklift loading and unloading procedures on paper, but without well-trained forklift operators, you’re still going to end up with problems.
Therefore, it’s absolutely essential that all your forklift operators be properly certified and undergo regular refresher courses to stay updated on the latest safety practices.
Training should cover not only the mechanics of operating the forklift but also how to recognise and anticipate hazards to preempt accidents before they occur, what to do in emergencies, and forklift unloading and loading techniques.
Try to establish a culture whereby forklift operators always communicate clearly with their co-workers, especially in noisy or busy environments. This should be the norm, and every worker needs to hold their colleagues accountable.
Where normal verbal communication is difficult due to noise, the use of standardised hand signals and radio communication can significantly reduce misunderstandings that might otherwise lead to accidents.
Here at First Forklifts, we supply a wide range of new and used forklift trucks for sale. Contact us today for more information.