Forklift Skip Safety Audits: What to Look For

Forklift skips require regular maintenance to ensure that they’re in safe and working order, and they also needs regular safety checks to guarantee that they work well and won’t pose a danger to those using them. But what exactly do you need to look for when you’re checking them? 

Here we give you a detailed check list for carrying out a safety audit on a forklift skip, helping to ensure that you can identify potential hazards and guarantee that you’re meeting the UK’s safety standards. 

Why do you need a forklift skip safety audit? 

Forklift skips are widely used in industries like construction, manufacturing, and warehousing to manage waste and transport materials. However, improper use or poorly maintained skips can lead to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Regular safety audits help to mitigate these risks by ensuring that all equipment is in good working order and used according to the manufacturer's guidelines and legal requirements.

UK Safety Standards for Forklift Skips

Before conducting a safety audit, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the relevant UK legislation and standards. Key regulations include:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: This act places a duty on employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare at work of all their employees.
• The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) states that equipment at work is stuitable for its intended use, is safe and maintained too. 
• Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER): These regulations apply to the use of lifting equipment, including forklift skips, ensuring that all lifting operations are planned, supervised, and carried out safely.

Visual Inspection of the Forklift Skip

Condition of the Skip

Check the Structural Integrity: Inspect the skip for any signs of wear, corrosion, cracks, or dents. Structural damage can compromise the safety of the skip and increase the risk of accidents.

Check the Welds and Joints: Check all welds and joints for cracks or weaknesses. Ensure that any repairs have been carried out by a qualified professional.

Look at the Latches and Hinges: Inspect the latches and hinges to ensure they are functioning correctly and securely. Faulty latches can cause the contents to spill, posing a serious hazard.

Condition of Forklift Fork Pockets

Check the forklift fork pockets for signs of excessive wear or damage. The pockets should securely fit the forklift forks without excessive movement.

Ensure that any locking mechanisms for securing the skip to the forklift are operational and effective.

Load Capacity and Markings

Weight Limits: Verify that the skip is clearly marked with its maximum load capacity.

Safety Labels and Signage: Check that all safety labels and signage are present, legible, and comply with the manufacturer’s specifications and UK regulations.

Operational Checks

Lifting Mechanisms

Testing the Lift: Conduct a test lift to ensure that the skip can be safely raised, transported, and lowered without any issues. Listen for unusual noises and check for smooth operation.

Tilting and Emptying: Test the tilting mechanism to ensure the skip empties smoothly and without resistance. Confirm that the skip returns to its locked position securely after emptying.

Forklift Integration

Attachment and Detachment: Ensure the skip can be easily and securely attached to and detached from the forklift. Test the skip's stability when attached to the forklift, especially when loaded.

Centre of Gravity: Confirm that the skip maintains its stability when loaded and lifted. An uneven or top-heavy load can cause the skip to tip, leading to potential accidents.

Operator Safety and Training

Not only do you need to ensure that the forklift skips are in good working order, but you need to guarantee that those who are operating them are up-to-date and have received thorough training in using them too. Training should be documented and regularly updated. 

Check that the operators are following safe procedures, including wearing the appropriate PPE and following the correct loading and unloading practices. 

Ensure that the skip design does not obstruct the operator’s line of sight during transport, too, as poor visibility can increase the risk of collisions and other accidents.

Verify that operators use effective communication systems, such as radios or hand signals, to coordinate movements and ensure safety in busy work environments.

Maintenance and Record Keeping

Confirm that routine inspections and maintenance are carried out according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Regular maintenance helps identify issues before they become serious safety hazards.

You’ll also want to check that repairs and replacements are logged, this helps to guarantee that any issues that have previously been identified have been taken care of. 

Ensure that all inspection and maintenance records are up-to-date and easily accessible. These records should be regularly reviewed to identify recurring issues or trends.

Verify that all necessary compliance certificates are current and reflect the latest safety standards.

Regular safety audits of forklift skips are not just a regulatory requirement—they are a crucial part of maintaining a safe workplace. By following this checklist, you can help ensure that your operations comply with UK safety standards, minimise risks, and protect your workforce. Remember, by having a proactive approach you’re more likely to prevent accidents from occuring, but also give your workplace a culture of safety too.