Reach Truck Emergency Procedures
Prepare reach truck operators for brake, steering, hydraulic, battery, fire, collision and falling-load emergencies.
Loss of control or abnormal response
Reduce speed and stop in a safe location if steering, braking or hydraulic response becomes abnormal. Do not continue to finish the task. Isolate the truck and report the fault.
Load becomes unstable
Keep people away, avoid sudden movements and follow trained procedures. Do not ask workers to hold, catch or manually stabilise a suspended or unstable load.
Collision or rack strike
Stop immediately, do not remove the truck if doing so may worsen collapse risk, warn others and isolate the area. Obtain competent assessment.
Battery smoke, heat or fire
Raise the alarm, evacuate according to the emergency plan and contact trained emergency responders. Battery chemistry affects response; operators should not improvise.
Medical emergency
Stop operations, protect the casualty from vehicle movement, call the workplace emergency response and preserve access for responders.
Frequently asked questions
Should the operator jump from a tipping truck?
Operators should follow manufacturer-specific training and use the restraint system. Improvised escape can increase injury risk.
Can a fallen load be restacked immediately?
No. Isolate the area and assess the load, pallet, rack and equipment before recovery.
Who calls emergency services?
The site plan should assign responsibilities, but any worker must know how to raise the alarm without delay.
Related reach truck guides
Official Singapore references
These sources support the general WSH duties and forklift-safety principles discussed in this guide.
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