Load Assessment, Load Charts, De-rating and Load Restraint
Reading the load
Before lifting, assess weight, dimensions, shape, centre of gravity, stability and the condition of the load and pallet. Confirm the weight from documentation or weigh it; do not guess. Check the load centre - the horizontal distance from the fork face to the load's centre of gravity. A load whose centre is further out than the chart value reduces capacity.
Load charts and de-rating
Every LO has a data plate and often a load chart showing capacity at various load centres and lift heights. Capacity decreases as load centre increases and as height increases. Attachments (slip-on forks, platforms, extensions) de-rate the machine; use the attachment's own chart. Rule of thumb: if the actual load centre exceeds the rated value, do not lift until you have recalculated capacity from the chart.
Load restraint
The load must be stable and restrained against movement during travel and lifting. Use shrink wrap, straps, racking or a load backrest as appropriate. Keep the load against the backrest, tilted back where the machine allows, and never carry a load that obscures your view - travel in reverse or use a spotter if needed. Never lift a load with people on it, and never use the forks to raise a person except in an approved platform.
Worked example
A chart shows 1000 kg at 500 mm load centre. Your pallet weighs 900 kg with a 700 mm load centre. Because the centre is beyond the chart value, the capacity at 700 mm is lower - check the chart curve; if capacity at 700 mm is 800 kg, the lift is unsafe and must be split or re-rigged.
Trap
Assuming the data plate figure applies to every lift, or ignoring the weight of the pallet and attachments.