General Forklift Clearance Guidelines
General Clearance Guidelines
Measuring the Mast Height
The first step in ensuring clearance is measuring the forklift's mast when it's fully lowered. This is the height that will determine whether the forklift can safely pass through a doorway. Most standard forklifts have a mast height between 6 to 8 feet when lowered, but this can vary.
Checking the Doorway Dimensions
Measure the height and width of the doorway to ensure the forklift can pass through without any issues. For doorways that are lower than the forklift's mast, operators should not attempt to force the forklift through but should instead find an alternate route or lower the load.
Leave a Safety Margin
It's important to leave several inches of space between the top of the mast and the doorway to account for any slight variations in the floor or load height. Even a small bump can cause a forklift mast to contact a doorway if the clearance is too tight.
Why Clearance Matters
Driving a forklift through a doorway with insufficient clearance can lead to significant damage. Forklift masts are heavy and sturdy, and even minor contact with a doorway can cause structural damage to the building or forklift. Ensuring proper clearance prevents costly repairs and avoids potential safety hazards.