When forklift operators get their licenses, they are usually taught to follow and adhere to basic rules for correctly parking a forklift. Australian Forklift Training observe that these basics are slowly forgotten and it is common to see forklift operators leaving their forklifts in inappropriate places.
Before leaving a forklift unattended, the forklift operator must observe the following rules:
- Should park on a level ground (when parking on an incline, chock the wheels)
- Do not park where other traffic may be obstructed or with the fork arms in a location, where pedestrians will have to step over them
- Tilt the fork arms forward and lower them, so that the bottom surface is flat on the ground. (To avoid someone tripping over them)
- Apply the handbrake
- Leave in neutral
- Turn off the power and remove the key
- Turn off the LPG for LP gas fuelled forklifts.
Forklifts should be parked in a suitable, designated area. The following is a list of places where forklift operators should not park a forklift:
- near first aid stations
- near fire fighting appliances
- near doorways
- on sloping surfaces
- on or near pedestrian walkways
- emergency exits
- where it is obstructing traffic
- at a distance not less than two metres from the nearest railway track.