How to Prevent Your Forklift from Tipping Over

Forklift tip overs are one of the leading causes of forklift accidents overall. Therefore, it’s important that the right steps are taken to prevent forklifts from tipping over in the first place. From the right forklift operator training to ensuring the load is as secure as possible, here are a few tips for eliminating the possibility of a forklift tipping over:

Ensure forklift operators are trained appropriately

It’s paramount that every single one of your forklift operators are fully-trained. This involves putting employees through an adequate training course to ensure they know how to operate the forklift as safely as possible whilst also being productive and efficient. This includes learning things such as:

• How to secure loads
• Learning the capacity of the forklift that will be driven
• Travelling at safe speeds
• How to tackle gradients
• What to look for when carrying out routine checks

Adhere to safety rules & regulations at all times

There are a series of rules, guidelines and regulations outlined that give forklift operators and warehouse owners an idea of what to do, or not do, when operating a forklift. There will also be some requirements for safety managers to be responsible for, such as putting up the correct signage and segregating pedestrianised areas from areas where machinery will be operated. Other important signs include the following:

• Speed limit signs
• Signs warning operators of gradients
• Signs warning operators that pedestrians might be in the area
• Signs reminding employees to wear the right safety gear
• Signs notifying people that children and/or unauthorised personnel are not allowed onsite
• Signs dictating that all accidents must be reported as soon as they happen

Travel at safe speeds

Travelling at a safe speed is a general, exceptionally important rule of thumb when it comes to forklift operational safety. Going at a safe speed will allow operators to react to hazards in good time. It will also help to prevent forklift tip overs as going at a high speed increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle. Tip overs are far more likely when the forklift is loaded, but whether it’s loaded or not, safe speeds still need to be adhered to, and this will be outlined in the forklift training that your operators receive, whether they be brand new to your team or are going on a refresher course.

Carry out a routine check before operating the forklift

Routine checks on the forklift are imperative. This is to ensure that the forklift itself is safe before it’s operated in any capacity. There are several different things you should look out for when it comes to pre-operation forklift checks. If you’re unsure as to what to look for, then enlist the help of a colleague, but it should be outlined in your forklift training. The things you need to check before driving your forklift includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Check fluid levels, including oil, water and hydraulic fluid, for example
• Check for leaks, cracks and visible defects on the forklift
• Check the mast chains, avoiding the use of hands
• Test the mast chain tension
• Check the condition of the tyres, including pressure, cuts and bulges
• Look at the condition of the forks
• Ensure the load backrest extension is functioning properly
• Check finger guard functionality
• Check the operators’ manual
• Make sure the log book is present
• Is the operators’ manual compartment clean
• Test all safety devices, including seatbelts, horns and alarms
• Check brakes, steering controls and other operational items to ensure they’re functioning as expected

Know the load capacity of your forklift

The capacity of the forklift that the operator is driving needs to be examined properly before being operated. This involves knowing the capacity of the forklift, including its load and how far it can reach. If you try to transport a considerable load using a particular forklift that cannot manage it, then you risk the forklift tipping over when in operation. Not only does this pose a risk to your employees, but it also damages inventory and results in forklift downtime, which many businesses cannot afford to experience. Load the forklift as per the manufacturer’s recommendation to ensure it’s carrying a safe load.

Take care navigating steep gradients, whether upwards or downwards

Steep gradients can play a part in a forklift tip over, especially if travelling downhill. Therefore, the forklift operator must navigate the gradient slowly and sensibly, reversing down it rather than travelling down it front ways. Going upwards can also cause a forklift to tip over. Again, navigating it needs to be at a reasonable speed and the load shouldn’t be too heavy, either.

Navigate corners slowly & with absolute care

Going around corners at a speed that’s greater than the one recommended will cause a forklift to tip over. If your warehouse is particularly small, with lots of compact spaces and narrow aisles, then a forklift operator will have no choice but to travel around several corners, lots of them with incredibly tight turning radiuses. It’s more important than ever to navigate the corners exceptionally slowly and with complete care, especially if you’re carrying a load as well.

Make sure the load is secure

If you’re using a forklift to transport a load from one place to another, you need to take the right steps to ensure the load is secured properly. If it’s properly secured, then it can’t shift from one side to another, which will throw-off the forklift’s centre of gravity. A change in centre of gravity is something that’ll cause a forklift to tip over, so it’s of the utmost importance that it’s kept consistent at all times. Part of this, of course, involves securing the load and keeping it that way until it reaches its destination. Multy Lift has over three decades of material handling knowledge and expertise to draw upon. You’ll always be able to count on us to provide you with the warehouse equipment you need to get the job done, including new and used forklifts, regardless of the industry you work in. For more information about how we can help you today, get in touch with a member of our team – we’re always happy to hear from you.