Forklift Safety Tips

Pre-Use Inspection Starting the Forklift Picking Up a Load Putting a Load Down Stacking One Load on Top of Another Forklift Safety Rules Lifting Driving Loading Docks

• Only forklift operators may operate the forklift.
• Do not use the forklift if any of the following conditions exist:

1. the mast has broken or cracked weld-points;
2. the roller tracks are not greased or the chains are not free to travel;
3. the forks are unequally spaced or cracks exist along the blade or at the heels;
4. hydraulic fluid levels are low;
5. the hydraulic lines and fittings have excessive wear or are crimped;
6. fluid is leaking from the lift or the tilt cylinders;
7. the hardware on the cylinders is loose;
8. the tires are excessively worn or split, or have missing tire material;
9. air filled tires are not filled to the operating pressure indicated on the tire;
10. the batteries have cracks or holes, uncapped cells, frayed cables, broken cable insulation, loose connections or clogged vent caps.

• Apply the foot brake and shift gears to neutral before turning the key.

• "Square up" on the center of the load and approach it straight on with the forks in the travel position.
• Stop when the tips of your forks are about a foot from the load.
• Level the forks and slowly drive forward until the load is resting against the backrest of the mast.
• Lift the load high enough to clear whatever is under it.
• Back up about one foot, then slowly and evenly tilt the mast backwards to stabilize the load.

• "Square up" and stop about one foot from the desired location.
• Level the forks and drive to the loading spot.
• Slowly lower the load to the floor.
• Tilt the forks slightly forward so that you do not hook the load.
• When the path behind you is clear of obstructions, back straight out until the forks have cleared the pallet.

• Stop about one foot away from the loading area and lift the mast high enough to clear the top of the stack.
• Slowly move forward until the load is squarely over the top of the stack.
• Level the forks and lower the mast until the load is no longer supported by the forks.
• Look over both shoulders for obstructions and back straight out if the path is clear.

• Do not use bare forks as a man-lift platform.
• Approach railroad tracks at a 45 angle when driving the forklift.
• Steer the forklift wide when making turns.
• Sound the forklift horn when approaching blind corners, doorways or aisles to alert other operators and pedestrians.

• Do not exceed the lift capacity of the forklift; read the lift capacity plate on the forklift if you are unsure.
• Follow the manufacturer's guidelines concerning changes in the lift capacity before adding an attachment to a forklift.
• Lift the load an inch or two to test for stability; if the rear wheels are not in firm contact with the floor, take a lighter load or use a forklift that has a higher lift capacity.
• Do not raise or lower a load while you are en route; wait until you are in the loading area and have stopped before raising or lowering the load.
• After picking up a load, adjust the forks so that the load is tilted slightly backward for added stability.
• Raise the forks an additional two inches to avoid hitting or scraping the ramp surface as you approach the ramp.

• Obey all traffic rules and signs.
• Drive with the load at a ground clearance height of 4-6 inches at the tips and 2 inches at the heels in order to clear most uneven surfaces and debris.
• Drive at a walking pace and apply the brakes slowly when driving on slippery surfaces such as icy or wet floors.
• Do not drive into an area with a ceiling height that is lower than the height of the mast or overhead guard.
• Do not drive up to anyone standing or working in front of a fixed object such as a wall.
• Do not drive along the edge of an unguarded elevated surface such as a loading dock or staging platform.
• Do not exceed a safe working speed of five miles per hour. Slow down in congested areas when driving the forklift.
• Stay a minimum distance of three truck lengths from other operating mobile equipment.
• Drive in reverse and use a signal person when your vision is blocked by the load.
• Look in the direction that you are driving; proceed when you have a clear path.
• Do not drive the forklift while people are on the attached man-lift platform.
• Drive unloaded forklifts in reverse when going up a ramp and forward when going down a ramp.
• Drive a loaded forklift in a forward gear when going up a ramp; upon approaching the ramp, raise the forks an additional two inches to avoid hitting or scraping the ramp surface.
• Do not attempt to turn the forklift around on a ramp.
• Do not use a gear for the opposite direction of travel as a means to slow down or stop the forklift.
• Lower the mast completely, turn the engine off and set the parking brake before leaving your forklift.

• Keep the forklift clear of the dock edge while vehicles are backing up to the dock.
• Do not begin loading or unloading until the supply truck has come to a complete stop, the engine has been turned off, the dock lock has been engaged and the wheels have been chocked.
• Do not drive the forklift into the truck until the bridge or dock plate has been attached.
• Do not drive the forklift into a truck bed or onto a trailer that has "soft" or loose decking or other unstable flooring.
• Drive straight across the bridge plates when entering or exiting the trailer.
• Use dock lights or headlights when working in a dark trailer.