Properly loading and unloading a forklift can prevent dangerous tipping and collisions. Keep yourself and others safe with these tips for safely loading and unloading a forklift.
Inspect the Load and Know Your Surroundings
Before lifting or stacking loads, read all signs to know the clearance heights and maximum permitted floor loadings of your environment. Make sure you’re on flat, level ground—never load or unload on an incline or uneven surface.
Check the load and make sure it’s undamaged. If it’s not secure and items move around easily, it’s not ready for lifting. Also, the load’s weight should be evenly distributed across the pallet or skid.
Ensure the pallet or skid can withstand the weight of the load. Inspect the pallet for damage or decay, and do not use deformed pallets for holding loads.
Remember These Steps for Loading the Forklift
One of the top rules for forklift operators is to not overload the lift truck. You must know your equipment’s lift capacity. Overloaded forklifts easily tip over and can cause injury to you and other workers or damage to equipment and goods.
A crucial tip for safely loading and unloading a forklift is to evenly distribute the load across both forks. Keep the load’s center of gravity close to the ground and close to the forklift’s front wheels. Once you’ve put the load in place, use ropes or other bindings to keep items secure, if needed.
If you’re loading a vehicle, such as a transport trailer, ensure the vehicle’s brakes are engaged and, if needed, the wheels are chocked. Ensure the driver and others know not to move the vehicle while you work.
Follow These Steps for Unloading the Forklift
Only unload in a suitable area with firm ground and ample clearance. Check for hazards such as obstructions or pedestrians.
Before unloading anything, inspect the load to determine if any items shifted during transportation. Consider whether any goods will fall or move if you remove restraints.
Set the forklift brakes. Line the pallet up with your intended drop-off point and keep the load as level as possible.
Bring the load to the appropriate level. If you’re unloading into drive-in pallet racking, bring the pallet a few inches above the bottom rails. Do not raise the pallet too high, or you might bump into the load above.
Slowly drive to the last pallet position, then carefully place the pallet on the rails. Finally, cautiously back out of the drive-in pallet racking system.
