Forklift Steering
Unlike cars and trucks, which steer with the front wheels, forklifts use rear-wheel steering. The rear wheels pivot, allowing the forklift to rotate the load around the front wheels, which carry most of the weight. This design enables precise positioning of loads but also requires extra caution when turning.
Operators must ensure there is sufficient space for the rear end to swing during turns. This can be managed by marking aisles with painted lines or arranging storage racks to create clear travel paths. However, these markings are only effective if aisles remain free of stored materials that could gradually encroach on the space.
Forklifts respond differently than cars; rear steering reduces responsiveness, making it harder to stop quickly, swerve safely, or maintain control. For this reason, operators should avoid driving at high speeds or taking corners too quickly.
Workplace Conditions
Safe forklift operation depends on proper surface and overhead conditions. Operators should ensure adequate clearance around the forklift at all times.
Operating Surface Requirements:
- Surfaces must be strong enough to support the forklift, its load, and the operator.
- Floors should be free of holes, grease, oil, or other obstructions that could cause skidding, bouncing, or tipping.
Key Factors to Consider While Traveling:
- Slippery Conditions: Oil, grease, water, ice, snow, mud, gravel, and uneven surfaces can cause skidding or tipping.
- Obstructions and Uneven Surfaces: Holes, bumps, or other obstacles increase the risk of tip-overs.
- Floor Loading Limits: Floors must be able to support the combined weight of the forklift, load, and operator to prevent collapse.
- Overhead Clearance: Ensure sufficient clearance to avoid collisions with lights, stacks, doors, sprinklers, pipes, or other overhead obstacles. Striking overhead objects can damage the load, the forklift, or cause a tip-over.