Do Forklift Licences Expire?

Posted on May 10, 2022 by East Midlands Forklifts

Technically, your forklift licence does not expire. However, you will be required to undergo refresher training at least every three years to remain on the National Operator Registration Scheme (NORS) database. This database informs employers of whether an individual has had up-to-date training, helping them employ people suitable skills and experience for the job. To summarise, while your licence does not technically expire, you will still need additional refresher training at least every three years in order to be deemed competent to drive a forklift. In this article, we explain a little about the refresher courses and the legality of driving…

The Most Common Forklift Hazards

Posted on June 29, 2021 by East Midlands Forklifts

Forklifts are a great way to transport heavy loads across your workplace. However, as with all heavy equipment, forklifts are going to pose some level of danger if not used correctly. Staying safe in the workplace is a number one priority, so it’s important that your workforce recognises and understands the most common forklift hazards. In this article, we’ll describe the top five most common hazards and how you can ensure your workforce remains safe. Manoeuvring and handling While rear-end steering provides a tight turn radius for the front of forklifts, the back of forklifts are known to swing wide during…

Can Forklifts Drive on Grass?

Posted on December 10, 2020 by East Midlands Forklifts

It’s possible to drive a forklift on grass, but only with the right type of truck, the right set of wheels and the right safety precautions in place. Failing to do any of these could lead to serious injury or death. We always recommend speaking to a reputable forklift company before driving your forklift on grass. In this article, discover which forklifts and wheels are most suitable for driving on grass, as well as the precautions you should take before doing so. Which forklift is most suitable for driving on grass? There are various types of forklifts, tailored to suit different…

Is Your Forklift Winter Ready?

Posted on November 24, 2020 by East Midlands Forklifts

Make sure your forklifts are safe this winter. Bitter temperatures, reduced daylight hours and ice-covered surfaces all pose risks to your forklift trucks, but a few simple checks and tweaks will ensure your operators remain safe. Use this checklist to get your forklifts ready for winter. Check tyres Two elements of your tyres should be inspected for winter: tread depth and air pressure. Larger tread depth provides better grip. You should check the tread depth of your tyres and consider replacing them if you think more grip is required. Winter tyres should have a tread depth of at least 4mm, and…

Can Forklifts be Used to Tow?

Posted on September 4, 2020 by East Midlands Forklifts

Forklifts are not designed to tow, and it is not recommended that you attempt to do so. If you desperately need to tow with your forklift, there are attachments that support forklift towing, though these should only be used for towing vehicles of a specific type, size and weight as outlined with each attachment. For continuous towing, we recommend finding more suitable towing equipment. This article will explain why towing is not recommended on a standalone forklift, and the accessories you can use to make towing safer. Why can’t you tow with a forklift? Forklifts were designed to lift heavy materials…

Common Forklift Faults and How to Fix Them

Posted on April 1, 2020 by East Midlands Forklifts

Over the course of its lifetime, your forklift truck may gradually start to develop faults which affect its everyday performance. In this article, we’ve listed some of the most common problems dealt with by operators, and how they can be fixed. Remember, you should always be monitoring the condition of your machine and enlisting the help of a professional if you want a problem to be diagnosed and fixed properly. Forklift does not start If it won’t start up, your forklift is pretty much useless. The cause of the problem could be something as obvious as a flat battery or lack…

Do I Need A Licence To Drive A Forklift Truck?

Posted on September 12, 2019 by East Midlands Forklifts

Want to be able to drive a forklift truck but unsure of the requirements? You’re not alone – with so many different options available for training, certification and licensing, it can be confusing to know what’s necessary for you to get started. Read on to find out how to make sure you’re ready to start operating your forklift – it’s actually a lot simpler than you might think. The basics A licence isn’t essential to drive a forklift truck, but there are a few requirements that you must meet in order to safely operate one. Age – the HSC Approved Code…

How Is It Possible for a Forklift Not to Tip Over?

Posted on June 24, 2019 by East Midlands Forklifts

Forklifts are relatively compact vehicles and yet are capable of carrying extremely heavy loads. At first glance, you may wonder how the forklift achieves this without toppling forward. The answer is actually quite simple, and it all comes down to one thing: physics. In this article, we’re going to explain how forklift stability works and how to stay safe when lifting heavy loads. Counterweight Physics teaches us that stability occurs when a force is balanced with an equal, opposite force. Forklifts attest to this theory by countering the heavy weight at the front with an equal or greater weight at the…

What Are the Different Types of Forklift Training?

Posted on May 30, 2019 by East Midlands Forklifts

There is a common misconception regarding forklift licenses and the corresponding training. Many people presume the process of receiving a forklift license is similar to receiving a driving license — everyone takes a standardised test and, once passed, receives a shiny new license that allows them to drive any car (with a few exceptions) anywhere in the country. The truth is, forklift licenses don’t really exist. Not physical licenses anyway. Instead, you will receive a physical certificate upon completing a training course. If your employer deems this certification to be sufficient enough to operate the forklift safely and properly, they will…

5 Ways To Prevent Forklift Accidents

Posted on March 13, 2018 by Dean

Workplace accidents can result in pain and loss of livelihood for an employee, and legal problems for an employer. Forklift accidents are no exception, and therefore prevention is paramount to meet your duty of care. Vehicles and machinery handling will always have an element of danger. By becoming aware of the possible pitfalls and endeavouring to stop accidents in their tracks, you will ensure a safer, happier working environment for all. How to prevent forklift accidents Forklift accidents can be prevented by training staff correctly, investing in safety products, enforcing good workplace practices, and regularly servicing the right equipment…