Training on Forklift Attachments is Essential

It is a common misconception that once you have been trained to operate a forklift truck with one type of attachment, there is no need to train on other attachments that may be needed onsite; however, this is not the case.

With over 30 years’ experience delivering training to all industry sectors, Mentor have seen how a single attachment machine has been converted into an item of workplace transport that has a more diverse role to play. Counterbalance forklift trucks are regularly used with a range of attachments such as rotating forks, working platforms, barrel clamps and tipping skips - all of which must be trained on correctly.

Tipping Skip Attachments

Tipping skips are commonly found as a way of moving waste products from the production line to the disposal area. Most tipping skip attachments now have an auto release mechanism, emptying the skip without a need for the operator to leave the cab and manually carry out work. With this feature, no ropes or wires are required and there is no need to climb up to the skip to activate the handle for tipping therefore potentially resulting in an accident.

Whilst the auto release skips are becoming more common, there still remains some manual release skips onsite. It is vital that operatives understand how to release these skips and reinstate them correctly. Site managers must still consider the manual process and the potential need for operatives to mount and dismount the forklift.

Load Integrity and Security

When you add a tipping skip to the front of the machine, the size and load must be taken into consideration to not exceed the rated capacity of the forklift truck. If loads are too heavy or cause the trucks’ centre of gravity to change this can result in tip overs. Think about load placement - the higher the load is lifted will affect the centre of gravity when it is tipped.

Operator Skills

Mentor have come across many operatives who do not feel confident working with tipping skips that are tipping at height/using a rotator. When hiring operatives who have a forklift certification in another industry sector, they may have the basic training, but ensure they are suitably trained to complete the tasks in this role.