Forklift Safety Tip:
Common Causes Of Forklifts Tipping Over Sideways

Most sit down (counter balance) type forklifts have a narrow wheel base and can very easily be tipped over sideways.

Many operators have no idea how close their bad driving habits bring them to tipping the forklift over. A large number of accidents where forklifts roll over are caused by drivers trying to turn the forklift just a little faster than they usually do.

Their normal bad driving habits have them operating so close to tipping over that just a small change like going a few kilometers per hour faster than usual or having the load raised a little higher than normal can spell disaster.

Here are the most common causes of a forklift tipping over sideways:

• Turning at speed
• Driving over uneven surfaces
• Unevenly distributed load
• Driving with a flat, or under inflated tyre
• Driving too fast (loaded or unloaded)
• Turning with the load raised
• Braking too hard when cornering
• Side shift not centred

When two or more of the above mentioned causes are combined it is almost certainly a recipe for disaster.

This is why it’s important that operators are aware of these common causes so that they can prevent a rollover from happening. It’s also important for companies to highlight areas such as uneven surfaces, and places where operators are known to turn and travel fast so that procedures for operating safely can be established.

When it comes to forklift safety, good operating procedures should include: driving and turning at a safe speed, the correct way to travel on the various uneven surfaces on your site, how to distribute load weight, checking for under inflated tyres before use (where applicable), keeping the load below the front axle or as low as possible while traveling, how to stop or turn in an emergency and correct use of the side shift.

Hopefully you can use this information to prevent a role over from happening to you or your staff.

If you have any question relating to this or any other matter, please feel free to call me or email me

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Forklift Safety Tip #34 Common Causes Of Forklifts Tipping Forward (lengthways)

When a forklift tips forward, the back wheels keep lifting off of the ground until either the forks hit the ground or the load falls off. The higher that the forks are off of the ground, the further the forklift will tip until it comes to a sudden stop. If it tips forward and the load falls off, the back wheel will come crashing back down to the ground.

Here are the most common causes of a forklift tipping over forward (lengthways):

• Overloading
• Severe Braking
• Tilting The Mast Forward With A Raised Load
• Load Not Positioned Against The Heel Of The Fork Arms
• Lifting Loads That Have A Longer Load Centre Than Specified On The Forklifts Data Plate
• Operating On A Sloping Surface

The number one cause of a forklift tipping lengthways is from the operator trying to lift a load that is heavier than the forklift is specified to carry, or one that has a longer load centre than specified. All forklifts have a load data plate mounted somewhere that’s clearly visible to the operator. The data plate says exactly how much weight the forklift is allowed to lift as well as the maximum load centre that the load is allowed to have.

In Australia, all forklifts are rated with a 600mm load centre, meaning that they can only lift the weight specified if the load is absolutely no longer than an evenly stacked 1200mm x 1200mm pallet. As soon as the load centre is lengthened, the amount of weight that the forklift can lift is rapidly reduced.

When you ask a group of operators how much their forklifts can carry they will get it wrong 95% of the time. Even when they try and read the data plate, most will still get it wrong.

It’s up to the operator to how know exactly how much each forklift can safely lift and to ensure that the load is within the maximum weight and load centre before attempting to pick it up. If the load appears large or heavy and they are unsure of the weight they should take the necessary precautions to find out.

Operators can find out the weight of loads by checking delivery dockets and con notes, calculation or checking the load for any weight markings. If the load is outside of the forklifts specifications it needs to be broken down onto two pallets instead of one or alternatively, a larger forklift will be needed.

Do your operators know how much weight your forklifts can safely lift?

For all of your forklifts for sale, used forklifts or forklift hire needs please visit Direct Forklift Sales. If you have any question relating to this or any other matter, please feel free to contact me or join my blog by clicking here.

To get a free safety tip delivered straight into your inbox every fortnight, email me nathan@directforkliftsales.com.au