Forklift Safety

by | Apr 9, 2017 | Tailgate

CAN Safety Forklift Training

An often-overlooked safety precaution is proper training for forklift operators. Even if your utility has instituted formal forklift operator training, a review of important practices will help you operate a forklift safely, both in a building and on the road.

  •  Always inspect the vehicle at least once per shift. This includes checking the battery, brakes, controller, fuel system, horn, lights, lift system, steering mechanism, and tires. Don’t operate any vehicle found to be in need of repairs.
  •  Look in the direction of travel and don’t move the vehicle until you see your path is clear.
  •  Don’t exceed the authorized safe speed.
  •  Don’t pass trucks traveling in the same direction at intersections, blind spots, or other dangerous locations.
  •  Maintain at least three truck lengths’ distance between you and vehicles in front of you.
  •  Slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles and other locations where vision is obstructed.
  •  Carry the forks as low as possible.
  •  Cross over railroad tracks diagonally whenever possible.
  •  Don’t load forklift trucks in excess of their rated capacity.
  •  Don’t move a loaded vehicle until the load is secure.
  •  Carry a load trailing (i.e., drive in reverse with the load behind you) if the load would obstruct the view if carried in front of the vehicle.
  •  Ascend or descend a grade slowly. If the grade is in excess of 10 percent, drive a loaded truck with the load upgrade.
  •  Don’t tilt a load forward with the load-engaging means elevated, except when picking up a load. Don’t tilt an elevated load forward unless you are depositing it onto a storage area. When stacking or tiering, tilt a load backward only as much as necessary to stabilize the load.
  •  If you leave the vehicle and will be 25 feet (7.6 meters) or more away, leave the load-engaging means down, bring the mast to the vertical position, shut the power off, curb the vehicle if necessary, and set the brakes.
  •  If you leave the vehicle and are within 25 feet (7.6 meters) of the vehicle, lower the load-engaging means fully, neutralize the controls, and set the brakes.