Safety Tips to Follow When Operating Material Handling Equipment

Mar 2, 2015
2 min read

Each year, forklift accidents cause machine handling equipment deaths to increase in Australia. Top management in large industrial complexes and warehouses should follow safety procedures to reduce these accident risks. Here are some important safety tips to address the issue. A. Employ Highly Qualified and Experienced Operators To work on material handling equipment like the products of MHA Products, industrial complexes and warehouses should employ only highly qualified and experienced operators who have received:

Proper training
Licensing
Authorization to operate such equipment

B. Perform Daily Safety Checks on Material Handling Equipment Material handling equipment such as forklifts should be inspected thoroughly before every shift. Designated, qualified staff should:

Carry out daily safety checks before equipment release.
Report any equipment problem for immediate action.
Promptly remove all equipment with technical problems from service.

C. Inspect the Planned Route Before driving their material handling equipment, all operators should:

Inspect their planned route for hazardous obstacles.
Remove at once any loose materials on the floor.
Clear the path for operations.
Beware of overhead clearances when operating equipment above the standard height.
Inspect loading ramps and bridge plates to ensure these can handle the combined weight of the equipment and its load.
Avoid bumps, wet areas and sharp turns.

D. Check Loads for Balance and Stability Material handling equipment operators should:

Always inspect a load for balance and stability before picking it up.
Ensure the load is secure enough and has a low center of gravity.
Never carry loads on a forklift’s tips.
Never exceed maximum capacity designated to each equipment.

E. Always Maintain Clear Visibility The operator should:

Never obstruct his visibility with the carried load.
With restricted visibility, reverse the equipment slowly, except when driving up a ramp.

F. Other Safety Tips

All equipment should be operated according to company safety rules and procedures.
Operators should wear proper personal protective equipment.
Seatbelts should be fastened during the operation.
Speed limits should be followed under any circumstances.
All material handling equipment should be refueled at designated locations.
The engines should be switched off and open flames must be avoided.
Be vigilant with passersby.
Slow down in areas of high traffic
Stop and sound the horn at intersections or pedestrian crossings.