Forklifts are an invaluable tool for home projects, but they can also be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. Forklift hire for home projects has grown in popularity, as these machines can make jobs that would take hours of back-breaking work significantly easier.
However, there is a dark side…
If forklifts aren’t operated correctly and safely, they can quickly become deadly machines. According to Arch Insurance, in the UK alone, each year approximately 1,300 serious forklift-related injuries occur, equating to about 5 people per day hospitalised due to a forklift accident.
The great news is that most of these accidents can be avoided if the right precautions are taken.
In this complete guide to using a forklift at home safely, you will learn all of the most important tips and information about:
- Why forklift safety at home matters.
- What checks to perform before operation.
- Important safety tips for operation.
- Preparing the ground and the site for forklift work.
- What to do if something goes wrong.
Why Forklift Safety Matters at Home
When working at home, there are some unique challenges to be aware of in comparison with using a forklift in a warehouse environment.
A warehouse has clearly marked lanes and paths, trained operators, clearly defined speed limits, and procedures for reporting near-misses and unsafe situations. Your garden or driveway, by contrast, can have uneven surfaces, debris, animals, family members, fences and walls, and narrow spaces.
The concept of forklift hire for home projects requires a heightened awareness of potential safety hazards and a commitment to following safe operating practices at all times.
The statistics make this point very clearly. According to statistics from the HSE in the UK, a high proportion of fatal forklift accidents – 42% – involve the vehicle tipping over and crushing the operator. This is an image that will make most people think twice before climbing aboard a hired forklift and having a go.
If you are looking for flexible forklift rental solutions for projects at home, then a rental company will often be able to provide you with some guidance on operation and maintenance. However, the buck stops with the operator, and the individual hiring a forklift is ultimately responsible for following safety guidelines.
Pre-Operation Checks You Cannot Skip
Before getting into a forklift, it is important to always perform a thorough inspection. This includes forklift hire for home projects, such as moving building materials, heavy furniture, or for shifting large features in the garden.
Checks to include are:
- Tyres and wheels – Check for damage, ensure adequate inflation pressure, and that the wheel nuts are tight.
- Forks – Check for cracks, bends, or any other visible damage.
- Brakes – Check the brakes function properly by applying them before moving any loads.
- Steering – Check the steering is free and working without any sticking or resistance.
- Lights and horn – Make sure all lights and the horn are working.
- Fluid levels – Check hydraulic fluid, oil, and coolant levels are adequate.
Never miss these checks as 5 minutes on the pre-use inspection form can prevent a lifetime of injuries.
Essential Safety Tips During Operation
Operating a forklift at home should always be treated with respect, just as you would a warehouse forklift. Complacency is the biggest killer.
Keep Speeds Low
Home sites are not racing tracks, so always maintain low, steady speeds, especially when carrying loads or when working around tight corners, or obstacles such as garden walls and outbuildings.
Watch the Load Capacity
Don’t overload the forks. Each forklift has a specified maximum load capacity stated clearly on the side of the machine. Operating above this weight limit is an extreme tipping hazard. If in doubt, make two trips.
Regular heavy equipment product support, including routine inspections and maintenance, also helps ensure forklifts continue to operate safely within their designed performance limits.
Maintain Clear Visibility
If your view is blocked by the load, drive backwards. It sounds obvious, but operating a forklift blind is asking for an accident, especially in a home environment where children or pets can appear unexpectedly around the corner.
Keep Forks Low
When travelling, with or without a load, the forks should always be kept around 15-20cm off the ground. The lower the forks, the lower the centre of gravity and the less risk there is of tipping.
Never Carry Passengers
Forklifts are not passenger vehicles, they are for loads. Under no circumstances should passengers be allowed on the forks or anywhere else on the machine except the designated operator seat.
Ground Preparation and Site Setup
Site preparation is where the line is drawn between safe forklift operation and a disaster waiting to happen.
Assess the Ground Conditions
Walk the ground the forklift will be operating over. Look for soft areas, holes, slopes, and any other obstacles. Forklifts can tip over on seemingly slight inclines when carrying a load.
Create Clear Pathways
Clear away any debris, tools, or materials which could cause problems. Walk the operating area and mark out the area to keep everyone clear during operation.
Check Overhead Hazards
Look for low hanging branches, washing lines, and overhead cables. Forklifts are tall machines and these can all pose a serious risk. Survey the area, remove or mark any overhead hazards before starting work.
Consider the Weather
Wet weather will reduce traction and make surfaces slippery. Avoid forklift hire for home projects during rain or damp conditions, if possible.
Loading and Unloading Safely
Paying attention to how materials are loaded onto and off the forks can make a big difference.
Loads should always be approached squarely and then centred as evenly as possible across both forks. An unevenly loaded forklift is more likely to tip when moving or lifting.
Once the load is lifted, tilt the mast back slightly to secure the load against the backrest. This keeps the load stable during transport.
When unloading or stacking materials, ensure the surface is stable and level. Never stack materials higher than is sensible for the load and storage area.
What to Do If Things Go Wrong
Despite your best preparation, sometimes things can go wrong quickly. Preparation is great, but often how people react can be the difference between serious injury and a close call.
If the Forklift Starts to Tip
Remain seated with the seatbelt on. Grip the steering wheel tightly and brace your feet against the floor. Lean in the opposite direction from where the machine is tipping. Never try to jump out, this is the cause of most serious injuries in tip-over accidents.
If Someone Gets Injured
Immediately cease operations. Call emergency services if necessary. Do not move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger.
If Equipment Malfunctions
Cease use of the machine immediately. Call the rental company and report the issue. Do not try to make any repairs without the proper knowledge and authorisation.
Getting Proper Training
The biggest no-no when hiring a forklift for a project at home is to not know how to operate it properly. Most rental companies will provide basic operational guidance, but this is a grey area and the level of training provided on operation, safe working practices, maintenance, and trouble-shooting will vary significantly.
If hiring a forklift for a home project, consider booking a short forklift operator course ahead of the hire period. A number of training companies offer short courses specifically aimed at occasional forklift users, as opposed to dedicated operators.
The training fee is money well spent to avoid damage to the property, equipment, and of course, people.
Tying It All Together
When it comes to doing a job around the house, forklift hire for home projects provides a solution to otherwise back-breaking work that no one has the time or energy to do.
If hiring a forklift for a home project, these are the key takeaways from this post:
- Always complete pre-operation checks.
- Never exceed load capacity.
- Prepare the site before beginning any work.
- Keep speeds low and maintain visibility at all times.
- Know what to do if things go wrong.
Cutting corners with forklift safety is never a good idea. Spending a few extra minutes on preparation and careful operation is all that stands between a successfully completed project and a serious accident.
The stats are there for all to see – most accidents involving forklifts are preventable, and following the safety tips and guidance included in this post, home users can complete their projects efficiently and keep everyone safe.
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