Forklifts and safety
How to read a forklift capacity plate
Explains rated, actual and residual capacity, load centre, lift height, mast and attachment information on a load chart.
01
Technical overview
Explains rated, actual and residual capacity, load centre, lift height, mast and attachment information on a load chart.
Start with the actual load, route, shift pattern, environment and truck configuration. Record the source of each value, compare it with current manufacturer documentation and convert the findings into an owner, action and acceptance criterion.
03
How to use this guide
Confirm truck identity, configuration, capacity plate and current manufacturer data.
Assess the real load, lift height, route, floor, ramp, aisle, traffic and environmental conditions.
Check operator authorisation, daily inspection, safety functions, maintenance status and defect controls.
Document the risk decision, responsible owner, completion evidence and return-to-service approval.
Verification boundary
This guide supports pre-assessment. It does not replace a risk assessment, statutory inspection, manufacturer approval, site-specific engineering or the work of a competent person. Apply the current rules in the country of use.
Related engineering calculations
Use the calculation tools for transparent preliminary checks, then validate the result against site measurements and approved equipment data.
Open calculation tools