When Parking Or Leaving The Forklift, What You Should Do?

When parking or leaving the forklift what should the operator do? This is the common question that may be asked or come up during a written test when you’re taking forklift training and you should be aware of the potential hazards associated with it so that you can answer this question.

Knowing what to do can help keep everyone safe, whether you're taking a break, done for the day, or just stepping away for a moment.

This guide will help you understand the basics of parking or leaving a forklift, especially if you're new to operating one. It's all about making sure you, and everyone else around, can work safely.

But First, Let's Explain The Meaning Of "Unattended"

First, let's talk about what it means when a forklift is "unattended." If a forklift is left in a spot where it shouldn't be, it can be really risky for people walking around and other vehicles working nearby.

OSHA, the safety folks, say that a forklift is unattended if the person driving it goes more than 25 feet away but can still see it, or if they walk away and can't see it at all.

So, when a forklift is considered unattended, it's not just about where the driver is. It's also about making sure the forklift is left in a safe place. If a driver steps away and leaves the forklift in a spot that's not meant for parking, it could get in the way or even cause accidents. This could be dangerous for other workers or anyone passing by, especially if the forklift is left with its forks up or in a busy pathway.

What Are The Precautions To Leaving a Forklift Unattended

• Park or leave your forklift in a safe area away from traffic
  
  The company premises should have a designated place where operators can park their forklifts. This place should not block any pathway where most pedestrians walk through and it should not obstruct any exit or entrance of the workplace.
  
  Never leave the forklift in walkways, in front of fireboxes, in front of emergency areas and eyewash stations. You will never know when accidents will happen and these facilities should be clear from any obstruction.
  
  
• Lower the forks until they are flat on the floor
  
  Lower the forks to the floor when parking the forklift. Make sure that the forks touch the ground when you are leaving. Apply the parking brake when it is in an idle position.
  
  Set the parking brake and set the directional control to neutral
  
  All operational controls of the truck must be in the neutral position before the driver alight the forklift compartment. The emergency brake of the vehicle should be engaged so that it would be firmly resting on its position.
  
  
• Turn off the engine and the key should be removed
  
  Whether you will be away for several minutes or if you are going for lunch or in case you will be away for an hour so, turning off the engine is good practice when the truck is idle for some time.
  
  Aside from turning off the engine, and you know you will be away for a longer period, removing the key from the ignition and handing it over to your shift supervisor in case someone wants it to be used during that period is good practice as well.
  
  
• Turn off all electrical systems:
  
  This means you should shut down everything electrical on the forklift, like the lights or any other systems that use power. Doing this helps save energy, so you're not wasting electricity when the forklift isn't being used. It also helps prevent any electrical problems that could happen if things were left on, especially when nobody is around to keep an eye on them.
  
  
• Remove any personal belongings:
  
  If you've got your own tools, lunch box, or any other personal items with you on the forklift, take them with you when you leave. This keeps your stuff safe and also makes sure the forklift is clear of any objects that could fall off and cause accidents or get lost.
  
  Check for any damage or defects:
  
  Before you walk away, take a quick look around and on the forklift for any damage or anything that seems off. If you find something wrong, like a loose part or a leak, make sure to tell someone who can take care of it, like your supervisor or the maintenance team. This helps fix small problems before they turn into big ones.
  
  
• Lock the forklift, if required:
  
  In some places, you might need to lock the forklift when you're not using it. This could be for safety reasons or to prevent unauthorized use. If that's the case, make sure you lock it up properly. This could mean using a key, a padlock, or whatever system your workplace uses.
  
  
• Place a "do not operate" sign on the forklift, if necessary:
  
  If the forklift needs to be fixed or it's not safe to use, you should put a "do not operate" sign on it. This is a clear way to tell everyone else not to use the forklift until it's been checked and repaired. It's a crucial step for preventing accidents and making sure everyone stays safe.

By following these steps, you help make sure the forklift is safe when you're not using it and ready for the next person. It's all about taking care of the equipment and looking out for the safety of yourself and others.

Just a Reminder

Forklifts are a vital part of any business dealing with heavy transporting of materials. When it is handled improperly, it could cause a dangerous situation that could hamper the business operation.

Make sure that the employees assigned to operate these types of machinery are adequately qualified and trained to handle the truck. Forklift operation is not for inexperienced and untrained persons. It is not being driven just like your sedan car. If you know how to drive a car, does not mean you can drive a forklift.

It could be slow compared to your car, but because of its sheer weight, it creates a danger to anyone – to the operator and to the pedestrians around in the workplace.

You can only be qualified to operate a forklift if you’ve undertaken necessary forklift training and gone through the certification performed by a qualified instructor. You can take the training either through company-sponsored training or by enrolling in a class offered by a training school.

Remove the Key When Leaving Your Forklift Unattended

Removing the key when leaving your forklift unattended is a critical safety measure for several reasons. First, it prevents unauthorized use of the forklift. Forklifts are powerful machines that require trained operators to handle them safely. If someone without the proper training or authorization were to start and use the forklift, it could lead to accidents, injuries, or property damage.

Secondly, removing the key helps ensure that the forklift remains where you left it. This is important for maintaining a safe and organized work environment, especially in areas with heavy pedestrian or vehicular traffic. An unattended forklift that's accidentally set in motion can become a significant hazard.

Additionally, removing the key and securing the forklift is part of compliance with workplace safety regulations in many jurisdictions. Such practices are often mandated by occupational safety and health administrations, including OSHA in the United States, to minimize workplace accidents and injuries.

Reasons for Leaving a Forklift Unattended

There are several reasons why a forklift may be left unattended:

• Break or Lunch: Forklift operators may need to take a break or go to lunch, requiring them to leave the forklift unattended.
• Maintenance or Repairs: The forklift may need to undergo maintenance or repairs, requiring it to be left unattended for some time.
• Loading or Unloading: The forklift may be used to load or unload materials, which may require it to be left unattended while the operator attends to other tasks.
• Shift Change: During a shift change, the operator may need to leave the forklift unattended while they hand it over to the next operator.
• End of Day: At the end of the day, the operator may need to leave the forklift unattended until the next day.

Regardless of the reason, it's important to follow proper procedures for leaving a forklift unattended to ensure the safety of others and prevent accidents or damage to the forklift.

Where Should You Not Park a Forklift?

• In pedestrian walkways or areas with high foot traffic.
• In front of fire exits or in a way that blocks emergency exits.
• In narrow aisles or areas with limited space where it may be difficult to maneuver.
• Near flammable materials or in areas with hazardous conditions, such as near sparks or open flames.
• In areas where it may obstruct other vehicles, such as forklifts, pallet trucks, or cars.
• On inclines, slopes, or uneven surfaces it may cause the forklift to tip over.
• On the loading docks, where the forklift may roll off.

In areas with low overhead clearance, such as under low-hanging pipes, beams, or other structures.
It's important to follow proper parking procedures to ensure the safety of operators and other workers, as well as to maintain the condition of the forklift and prevent damage.

What Do You Do If You Have To Leave Your Forklift While It Is Running?

If you need to leave your forklift while it's running, it's crucial to take certain precautions to ensure safety. Leaving a running forklift unattended can pose significant hazards, so it's important to minimize risks. Before stepping away, make sure the forklift is in a safe area away from traffic and operating zones.

Engage the parking brake to prevent the forklift from moving unexpectedly. Lower the forks to the ground to reduce the risk of tripping or collision. If possible, also ensure the area is clear of pedestrians and other vehicles to avoid accidents. These steps help maintain a safe environment even when the operator is not present at the controls.

Remember, safety protocols are designed to protect not only the operator but also everyone in the vicinity of the forklift.

Additionally, consider the forklift's immediate environment for any potential safety hazards that could arise from leaving it running, such as nearby flammable materials or steep inclines. In environments where safety is paramount, and the forklift must remain running, ensure that access to the controls is restricted to prevent unauthorized use.

It may also be wise to inform a supervisor or a nearby colleague that the forklift will be left running and unattended for a short period. This step ensures that someone is aware and can keep an eye on the equipment in your absence. Ultimately, the goal is to maintain the highest safety standards, reducing any risk of accidents or injuries, while ensuring that the forklift can be quickly re-engaged by the operator upon return.

To Make a Conclusion

Forklifts play a very important function in making the work much easier in the warehouse and in places where they are utilized. They make the transfer of goods and materials very quickly. But despite their good reputation, they create a potential hazard when the operator parks or leaves it in an undesignated location.

Forklifts can cause damage to property, injury, and even death if it is operated by an untrained individual. One circumstance of it is when parking or leaving the forklift, the operator should do the following as mentioned above.

Parking the forklift and leaving it for some time in an undesignated area creates danger and risk. Always follow the practices above.