FORK SAFETY GUIDE

FORK SAFETY GUIDE

1. Always lift loads using the two forks.  Never lift a load using just one fork (neither partial nor full loads)!

2. Always carry out visual inspections.  Damaged forks must be replaced immediately!

3. Observe the rated capacity and load centre.  Loads which tend to make the Forklift tilting are not permissible and dangerous!

4. Forks are not designed for lateral loads.  Do not raise the load diagonally and prevent lateral pushing!

5. Never use forks on rotators.  Forks for rotators are special designs.

6. Never use forks as upside-down forks, with the blade to the upper side.  Risk of fracture! Upside-down forks are special designs.

7. Prevent loads from falling onto forks!

8. Do not transport hot molten material!

9. Do not transport persons on the forks!

10. The locking devices must be locked while the Forklift is being used.  Otherwise, the forks may slip off!

11. Do not take up loads using the fork tip of the inclination cylinder.  Risk of overload!

12. Be sure, that the fork inspection (e.g. crack detection) is carried out by experts on a regular basis!

13. Basically, forks with longer blades should have a bigger cross-section.  Otherwise, there is a risk of overloading them.  Please ask us for our advice!

14. Never carry out your own modifications to the fork.

15. Welding or other heat treatments may change the material structure and hence cause the fork to break.

16. Worn forks must not be welded (ISO 5057)!

17. Drilling may weaken the cross-section and lead to cracks or cause the fork to break.

18. Do not repair bent forks on your own – ask the manufacturer to repair them!

19. If only one fork is damaged, send both forks back to the manufacturer to have them checked for damage.  If only one fork is damaged, nevertheless replace the two of them.

20. Check Forks for wear at regular intervals.  Once the original nominal thickness is reduced by 10 %, the forks must be replaced (ISO 5057).  10 % wear of a fork means a reduction of the load-bearing capacity of approx. 20 % – regardless of the manufacturer!

Need new Forks then?  Click HERE to see all available sizes.  If you are un-sure of the size you need, please fill out one of the ‘Easy Order Forms’ which can be seen HERE.

If you need further help, please give us a call on 0800 458 8025 and one of us will be happy to help.