Forklifts - Frequently asked questions

Yes.  Regulation 4.44 of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 states that an employer must ensure that the operator of the forklift uses the seat belt.  If an employee was injured because he/she was not wearing the seat belt, then the company could be prosecuted. 

No.  Some older models were manufactured without them.  An assessment should be conducted to establish if reversing beepers are a necessary requirement depending on the particular working environment.

No.  Some older models were manufactured without them.  An assessment should be conducted to establish if flashing lights are a necessary requirement depending on the particular working environment.

No.  Forklift trucks should only be used for the purpose for which they are designed.

No.  The running engine could ignite the fuel.

The forklift must travel up the ramp forwards; therefore the load must face uphill.

Approximately axle height or a reasonable minimum distance from the operating surface.

A battery powered forklift truck.

No, not under any circumstances. Loads must never be passed over people.

No, not under any circumstances.

By use of a correctly secured Safety cage (Forklift Truck Work Platform).

It is the maximum load that a forklift truck is designed to carry at a specified load elevation at a specific load centre distance.