Final answer:
Material handling equipment like forklifts is placarded to communicate potential hazards, especially when transporting hazardous materials, which is vital for the safety of operators and those in vicinity.
Step-by-step explanation:
You would placard material handling equipment, such as forklifts, to communicate potential hazards associated with the equipment or the materials being handled. This is particularly important when dealing with hazardous materials, including fissile materials, which must not be stacked together due to the risk of a criticality accident. Placarding is a crucial part of safety procedures both for informing operators and for ensuring that those in the area are aware of the risks. For example, if a forklift is carrying explosives, flammable liquids, or radioactive materials, it should have the appropriate placards indicating such materials. This helps to prevent accidents and enhances overall safety in the workplace.