Choosing the Right Lift Truck

It is important to choose the right lift truck for the task at hand. Employers must ensure that appropriate equipment is available to workers. The following are some factors to keep in mind when selecting a lift truck:

• Load being transported
• Are the load ratings and capacity clearly displayed on the lift truck?
• Can the selected lift truck support the weight of the load?
• Is the lift truck large enough to handle the size of the load?
• Workspace design
• Is there enough room for the selected lift truck to be operated and moved safely?
• Will the lift truck have to travel through aisles or other narrow spaces?
• Are the reach capabilities of the truck suited to the load pickup and destination points (for example, safely reaching the top shelf)?
• Terrain
• Is the work being performed inside or outside?
• Is the work being performed on natural (untouched) or altered (such as graded or paved) terrain?
• Are cushioned or pneumatic tires appropriate for this terrain?
• Lift truck design
• Is there suitable protection for the operator (such as guards, grills, or seat belts)?
• Are all warning lights and alarms present and functional?
• If a fire hazard is present at the work site, is the truck equipped with flame-arrest devices or other protection measures?

To learn more about Forklift Safety visit our Canada Forklift Safety Online Training web page.