How to Shut Down a Forklift Properly?

Shutting down a forklift properly is one of the things an operator can do to keep the workplace safe. Many take this simple procedure for granted without realizing how important it is.

If you are going to take a training program, you would notice that shutting down the equipment is one of many topics to be discussed.

This procedure only involves simple steps but it does make sure that the equipment is ready for the next driver in the following shift.

Here are what you need to do:

1. Only park the forklift in a designated area in such a way that the equipment doesn’t block other vehicles and pedestrians in the workplace.
   
   Every workplace should have an assigned parking area. The ground of the area should be level and with good lighting.
   
   The forklift should be parked away from doorways, entrance and exit doors, firefighting equipment, eye wash or first aid station, near a pit, rail tracks, and power lines.
   
   In as much as possible, the forklift should be parked indoors or in a roofed location so that the elements such as sun and rain won’t degrade it.
   
   
2. Put the direction control lever in the neutral position as if you’re driving a car.
   
   The directional control lever, just like your car, has only three positions – (D) if you want to drive forward, (R) if you want to reverse the truck, and Neutral if the truck is idle. Depending on the model and design of the forklift, the directional control lever can be found near the steering wheel or it could be foot-operated.
   
   
3.  Engaged the parking brake to hold the truck in secure position when idle.
   
   Again, the parking brake works similarly with a car, it keeps the equipment in a firm position when it is on. The parking brake could be foot-operated depending on the forklift model.
   
   
4. Lower forks so that the tips completely touch the ground or floor, then tilt the mast assembly forward.
   
   To prevent a hook fall, which is a serious accident, it happens when a pedestrian steps over the forks, sticks his foot underneath the protruding forks and falls, the result is a broken foot or leg. And we don’t want this to happen. So make sure the forks are completely lowered when shutting down the forklift.
   
   
5. Shut off the engine.
   
   Just simply switch the ignition off.

6. Conduct post-operational and walk-around equipment inspection.
   
   After dismounting, the operator should perform an equipment inspection by walking around the forklift to see if there are any leaks or damage. If there’s any, immediately report it to the supervisor for immediate corrective action.
   
   If damage or has been found, the forklift should not be used for the next shift until such repair is done.
   
   
7. Return the key to the designated place and never leave it in the ignition.
   
   Returning the key to the designated location every shift is a good habit. This eliminates the possibility for the forklift be driven by an unauthorized person.
   
   Also be reminded that leaving the key in an unattended forklift has a dire consequence of safety hazard, just like mentioned above, we don’t want the equipment to be operated by an untrained individual.

Watch This Video to See This Procedure in Action

Please do Remember

Please be reminded that only those who have undergone a safety training course in the operation of the forklift and have been certified are allowed to drive the truck.

If you haven’t had any course in the past or it has been three years since your last training, it is compulsory to take the training before you put your hands on the steering wheel.

The course only takes a day or 2, depending on the truck you want to have training on. If you’re currently employed, it is your employer who has the obligation to supply you with the training.

However, if you’re an individual seeking to complete the training program, you can contact a training provider near you.

The course consists of formal training (classroom lectures), and hands-on exercises and the last is the performance evaluation.

To get certified, you must pass the written test and the performance evaluation. If you’re successful, in the end, you will be issued with a certificate and an operator card.

These credentials are proof that you’ve undergone a training program.

If you’re in the country of Australia, forklift operation is considered high-risk work. The issuance of licenses is much stricter. You have to contact a registered training organization, it is basically the same as a training provider after you had your training, you need to submit your application for a high-risk work license. The high-risk work license is what they referred to as the forklift license.