Counterbalance Forklift Safety
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1. Start safely
This short guide reviews essential counterbalance forklift safety. Only trained and authorised operators should use the truck, and the rules for the workplace must always be followed.

2. Check before use
Before operating the truck, complete and record the pre-shift checklist. Inspect the forks, carriage, backrest, mast, chains, hydraulics, wheels, tyres, bodywork and surrounding floor for leaks. From the operating position, check the seat and restraint, capacity plate, instruments, horn, lights, hydraulic controls, steering, drive and brakes. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, and isolate and report an unsafe truck.

3. Use the correct driving position
Travel in the correct driving position with the fork heels approximately one hundred and fifty millimetres above the floor and the mast tilted slightly back to stabilise the load. Always maintain a clear view and look in the direction of travel. If the load blocks your view, follow your training and the site's safe system of work.

4. Know four facts before lifting
Before any lift, confirm four facts: the load weight, its load centre, the height at which it must be placed, and that the truck's capacity plate confirms it can safely handle that load under those conditions.

5. Read the capacity plate
Read the capacity plate before lifting. The rated conditions normally use a vertical mast on level ground, and the available capacity may reduce because of lift height, attachments or a different load centre. Never estimate or exceed the stated limit.

6. Understand the load centre
The load centre is measured forward from the vertical face of the forks to the load's centre of gravity. Moving that centre farther forward increases leverage and normally reduces how much the truck can lift safely.

7. Position the load correctly
Place the load against the fork heels wherever practicable and spread the forks to support it evenly. This keeps the effective load centre close, shortens the truck and load combination and improves load stability.

8. Protect pedestrians
Keep pedestrians separated from the truck wherever possible. Slow down and check the route at blind corners, doorways and crossings. Where the site procedure requires it, sound several short, sharp horn bursts before a blind corner. Never assume that someone has seen or heard you.

9. 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 it is safe to do so, or use a trained banksman in accordance with the site's safe system of work. The horn is never a substitute for observation.

10. Protect truck stability
Turning too fast, harsh braking, travelling with a raised load and operating across a side slope can all create overturn risk. Keep the load low and use smooth steering, acceleration and braking.

11. Use slopes in the correct direction
On an incline, the heavy end of a counterbalance truck should normally face uphill. That means the load faces uphill when laden, while the counterweight faces uphill and the forks face downhill when unladen. Never turn across a slope unless an approved procedure specifically permits it.

12. Stack in a controlled sequence
Approach the stack squarely and stop a short distance away so the manoeuvre remains accurate and nobody can become trapped. Apply the parking brake, select neutral, then use the hydraulic controls to raise or position the load.

13. Load vehicles safely
Before loading a lorry or trailer, make sure it is secured against movement, the driver is in the agreed safe place, and the bed, access and supporting arrangements are suitable for the combined truck and load.

14. Maintain safe separation
A counterbalance truck's rear end swings wide during a turn, so check clearance on both sides. In normal conditions, leave at least three truck lengths behind another lift truck, increasing the gap where conditions require it. Stop safely and have debris or obstructions removed.

15. Park and isolate correctly
Park only in an authorised place. Lower the forks fully, place the controls in neutral, apply the parking brake, switch off and control the key in line with site procedure.

16. Stop if it is not safe
These reminders support learning but do not replace practical training or assessment. If the truck, load or route is not safe, stop and ask a competent instructor or supervisor.

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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