Forklift trucks are increasingly being used for horizontal and vertical transport on construction sites. They are practical to use, but have considerable safety risks. To reduce these risks, drivers must be familiar with the operating instructions and possess the necessary skills after instruction. They must also be in possession of a forklift certificate. Directors must be at least 16 years old and work under adequate expert supervision until the age of 18.
New motorised transport equipment must comply with the requirements of the Machinery Decree and the Working Conditions Decree.
Forklifts must be equipped with:
- A CE marking and a declaration of conformity (only for trucks placed on the market from 1 January 1996);
- A cab or safety cage to protect the driver from crushing hazards and to protect against falling objects after the truck rolls over;
- A load pull (if higher than 2.50 metres is raised) to prevent parts of the load from falling when the mast is tilted backwards;
- An indication of the permissible working load for three different distances, as the centre of gravity may be outside the wheels;
- An end stop on the support structure of the forks to prevent the forks from sliding;
- A mechanically actuated circuit breaker on an electric truck; it is activated automatically when the driver leaves the vehicle;
- A seat belt on the seat(s);
- The factory name (or brand), type (or model number), year of manufacture and the workload in kg;
- A device that can be used to give signals.
The following guidelines apply to maintenance and inspections:
- Regular maintenance and inspection, to be recorded in a logbook;
- Periodic inspection by an expert, as often as the use makes necessary, but at least once a year.
The dangers of using forklifts are diverse. Accidents are numerous, mainly due to:
- Being hit or run over;
- Being struck by a falling load;
- Limbs or persons who are trapped;
- Falling off the truck, forks or loading dock;
- Colliding with the forklift or other objects;
- A tilting forklift;
- Malfunctions and technical defects due to poor maintenance;
- A failing handbrake control;
- Jumping on or off the forklift;
- Injury when assembling spoons or other aids and attachments.
When using a forklift, the following regulations apply:
- Remove the keys after using the truck so that unauthorised persons cannot operate the truck;
- Charging batteries (smoking and open flames prohibited) must take place in a separate and well-ventilated room;
- Operators must be able to determine what the forklift is allowed to lift. The centre of gravity distance must be taken into account; If it is necessary to tilt forward, the centre of gravity is further and the load torque increases. This must also be taken into account;
- It is not allowed to transport persons on the forks, unless with the help of a specific work basket; Riding on the truck is only permitted in specially designed safe seats (with seat belts);
- Always ride with a low-lifted load or forks; reversing if the load obstructs visibility; never turn on a slope;
- On public roads, you follow the rules that apply on public roads; however, a driver's license is not mandatory;
- Minimize the use of internal combustion engine forklifts in enclosed spaces, or ensure adequate ventilation.
Transport routes are:
- Sufficiently wide and free of obstacles;
- Sufficient load-bearing capacity;
- Horizontal, plain and flat;
- Equipped with a non-slip and wear-resistant surface;
- If necessary, provision of fall-back spaces for pedestrians;
- Clear location of doors and passageways.
Talk to each other about the following:
- Do you ever drive a forklift? If so, do you have a personal forklift certificate?
- Do you know the above risks of using a forklift? And can you think of more risks?
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