Tips to Get the Most from Your Forklift Attachments
Having a selection of forklift attachments can multiply your forklift’s utility as we outlined in a previous blog. They can improve productivity, decrease the time forklift operators need to accomplish material handling tasks, and reduce the possibility of product damage. But using forklift attachments comes with some serious safety considerations. OSHA specifically outlines the safety considerations for forklift attachment safety in its Forklift Attachment Safety eTool.
Here is a summary of what you must know about for safe forklift attachment usage.
- Pre-inspection Should Include the Attachment as Well As the Forklift – You already know you should have a pre-shift inspection checklist. The same goes for the attachment. Most attachment manufacturers include this checklist in the device’s operating manual. Checklist items should include hydraulics, electrical connections, mechanical integrity (cracks or weld faults), and bent or distorted elements.
- Make Sure It’s A Match – Be absolutely certain that your attachment is compatible with your forklift. Not all forklifts can accommodate different attachments. Again, the attachment operator’s manual should be your guide.
-
Push-Pull Forklift Attachment
Understand Attachment Load Considerations – Attachments will drastically alter the forklift’s center of gravity. Forklift capacities are usually cited for a load that’s 24 in from the mast, and using an accessory can double that. Forklift accessory manufacturers indicate the capacity of the attachment. Even if your forklift has a greater lifting capacity, you should not exceed the attachment capacity or risk the possibility of the forklift tipping over. Similarly, when using side shifters, there is the danger of the forklift tipping over sideways if the rated capacity of the attachment is exceeded.
- Update the Forklift’s Data Plate – Make sure every operator is aware of the limitations of using a particular forklift with an attachment. The forklift’s data plate or label should be revised to reflect the change in capacity caused by using the attachment.
- Obtain Forklift Manufacturer’s Permission – Using certain attachments requires the forklift manufacturer’s written approval if the attachment will significantly alter the vehicle’s capacity. Check the attachment’s operating manual to see if the attachment you are using needs approval.
- Be Extra Careful With Work Platforms – Forklift personnel lift attachments require additional awareness and safety. Never move a forklift horizontally with a worker in the basket or platform; ensure the worker is harnessed to the platform; be absolutely certain the work platform or basket is securely attached to the forklift.
- Note – Check the operator manual for work platform training requirements and sign your team up for OSHA-certified Fall Protection Training with the training Apex team.
- Drive Safely – Using an attachment can affect forklift maneuverability, visibility, and stability. Drive and turn slowly. Be extra aware of pedestrians, racks, and other traffic in the area. Remember that a forklift with an unloaded attachment still needs to be driven like a partially loaded forklift.
- Training is Imperative – As with all tasks related to forklifts, operator training is required on the specific forklift attachment. Operators should know how to fasten the attachment to the forklift properly, know the elements on the attachment checklist, and know the limitations that attachments create upon the load-bearing and driving aspects of forklift operation. Just being trained in forklift operation is not enough.
 Forklift Safety Cage & Work Platform |
 Layer Picking Attachment |
Don’t Get Turned Around –Head Straight to the Team that Can Help!
Apex offers a full range of forklift attachments for nearly any specialized material handling task–drums, bales, multiple pallets, slip sheets, layer picking, and more. Apex also offers the operator training imperative to the safe operation of forklifts with attachments. In the Chicagoland area, Apex is your material handling headquarters.