Forklift safe operation

1. Basic Forklift Operation

2. Forklift Operation
OSHA 1910.178 states “Only
trained and authorized operators
shall be permitted to operate a
powered industrial truck.”

3. Types of Forklifts
Different types of forklifts are
available, mainly for different
environments:
•Diesel powered
•Electric powered
•Gasoline powered
•LP-Gas powered

4. •Forklifts weigh thousands of
pounds.
•Are extremely powerful.
•Use rear wheel steering.
•Can turn in a very tight circle.
•Are not very wide for use in
aisles.
Interesting Facts

5. Truck Body

6. Overhead Guard

7. Hydraulic Lift

8. Gauges

9. Truck Controls

10. Switches

11. Data Plates

12. Tire Types

13. Rear Wheel Steering
Unlike a car or truck, lift trucks
use the rear wheels for
steering.

14. Load Capacity

15. Load Centering

16. Load Centering

17. Load Centering

18. Speed
KEEP
YOUR
SPEED
DOWN!

19. Quick Turns

20. The 8 Inch Rule

21. If Your View is Blocked
If a load
blocks your
view, travel in
reverse.

22. Overhead Clearance

23. Center Your Loads

24. Loose Loads

25. Wide and Long Loads

26. Driving on Ramps
Unloaded

27. Driving on Ramps
Loaded

28. Driving Across Ramps

29. Driving on Various
Surfaces

30. Loading Docks
Will the floor of the trailer
support your load?

31. Loading Docks

32. Loading Docks

33. Parking
Always park your truck away from
traffic and on a level surface.

34. Parking
Lower forks flat
on the floor.
Set directional
control in
neutral.

35. Parking
Turn engine off
and remove
key.
Set parking
brake.

36. Intersections
As you drive, watch out for people walking, and at intersections, slow down, look for
traffic, and sound your horn frequently.
Remember, ALWAYS come to a complete stop before changing direction.
Intersections

37. Raised Forks
Never let anyone, including yourself, walk or stand under the forks
when they are raised
Keeping Work Area Clear

38. No Riders
Keep in mind that you are a lift truck operator, not a taxi service.
You should never allow anyone to ride on your lift truck.
No Riders

39. Safety Devices
Seat Belt - Most lift trucks are equipped with a
seat belt.
Use it!
Wear Your Seatbelt

40. Safety Devices
Horn - Sound your horn:
* Before backing up
* At intersections
* When traveling through doors
* Anywhere your vision is limited
or blocked
Using Your Horn Often

41. Safety Devices
Backup
Backup Alarms

42. Safety Devices
Warning Light - Some trucks are
Warning Light

43. Daily Inspection
The safety equipment you must
inspect daily is:
•Seat Belt
•Warning Light
•Backup Alarm
•Horn

44. Daily Inspection
The safety equipment you must
inspect daily is:
•Steering
•Brakes
•Carriage, chains, forks
•Hydraulic hoses

45. Daily Inspection
The safety equipment you must
inspect daily is:
•Hydraulic lift/tilt controls
•Tires
•Hour Meter
•Leaks

46. Daily Inspection
The safety equipment you must
inspect daily is:
•Fuel level
•Oil level and pressure
•Water level
•Fan Belt

47. Refueling and Recharging
*
•Park in designated refueling or
recharging area.
•Do not block emergency equipment.
•Make sure area is well ventilated.
•Have extinguisher nearby.
*
*
*

48. Refueling and Recharging
*
*
*
*
•Turn off engine and lights.
•Do not smoke.
•Do not spill fuel.
•Use only approved cans.
•For LP, shut off valves.
•When charging, remember
gases.