Bendi & Articulated Forklift Safety
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1. Understand articulation
An articulated forklift steers by bending at its centre. Its turning path and swing are different from a conventional counterbalance or reach truck, so specific training and familiarisation are essential.

2. Check before use
Before operating, complete and record the pre-shift checklist. Inspect the articulation joint, steering response, mast, chains, forks, tyres, hydraulics, controls, brakes and warning devices in line with the manufacturer's instructions. Isolate and report an unsafe truck.

3. Use the correct driving position
Travel in a controlled central position with the fork heels approximately one hundred and fifty millimetres above the floor and the mast slightly tilted back to stabilise the load. Maintain a clear view, use an appropriate speed and avoid sudden steering or braking.

4. Know four facts before lifting
Before lifting, confirm the load weight, its load centre, the required lift height, and that the capacity plate confirms this truck can safely handle the load under those conditions.

5. Read the capacity plate
Read the truck's capacity plate for the actual height, load centre and attachment. Never estimate the load or assume the truck can lift it simply because the forks fit underneath.

6. Position the load correctly
Place the load against the fork heels wherever practicable and spread the forks to support it evenly. Check the pallet and load are stable before lifting.

7. Keep a clear view
Always maintain a clear view and look in the direction of travel. If the load blocks forward vision, use the approved safe method: travel in reverse where safe, or use a trained banksman in accordance with the site's safe system of work.

8. Protect pedestrians
Keep pedestrians separated from the truck. Slow down and check the route at blind corners and aisle exits. Where site procedure requires it, sound several short, sharp horn bursts.

9. Watch both sections swing
When the truck articulates, both sections change their path. Watch the rear, the mast and the load, and allow clearance from pedestrians, racking, uprights and adjacent loads.

10. Protect truck stability
Articulation changes the truck's shape and stability. Keep the load low, travel at a suitable speed and use smooth steering, acceleration and braking. Do not turn with a raised load.

11. Control the aisle
Control the narrow aisle before the truck enters or stacks. Keep pedestrians out of the operating zone and check racking, overhead clearance and adjacent loads before raising the forks.

12. Stack square and steady
Align carefully and stop before lifting. Use small, deliberate steering and hydraulic movements. Check the pallet is stable and fully supported before withdrawing the forks.

13. Use slopes only as approved
Articulated trucks may have strict limits on gradient use. Follow the manufacturer and site procedure, keep the heavy end uphill where travel is permitted, and never turn or articulate across a slope.

14. Maintain safe separation
Allow extra clearance because both sections change path during articulation. Keep a safe following distance, increasing it for poor surfaces or visibility, and stop for route obstructions.

15. Park straight where possible
Park in an authorised area, preferably with the truck straight and not obstructing a route. Lower the forks, select neutral, apply the brake, switch off and secure access.

16. Use the right training
Articulated truck designs and controls vary. Use the manufacturer's information and your approved training. Stop whenever clearance, stability or visibility is uncertain.

Important: This video is theory-support material only. It does not replace practical training,
familiarisation, supervision, manufacturer instructions, site rules or formal assessment.

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