Forklift Training
- General
Overview
Only trained and evaluated
operators can drive forklifts
Employer certifies successful
completion of training and
evaluation
1a
Overview
Operators can only drive the
types of forklifts on which they
have been trained
1b
Overview
Operating a forklift takes:
• Skill
• Mechanical knowledge
• Knowledge of workplace hazards
1c
Overview
Take forklift out of service if
defective
1d
Forklift rules
Don’t stand or pass under raised
forks
Only handle stable, safely
arranged loads
Only handle loads within truck’s
rated capacity
2a
Forklift rules
Place forks under load as far as
possible
Only tilt load forward while
depositing it
High-lift rider trucks need overhead
guards to protect operator
2b
Forklift rules
Use a safety platform to lift
people
Forklifts must be approved for
hazardous locations
Watch where you are going
2c
Forklift rules
Never drive up to anyone
standing in front of a fixed
object
Allow no riders
Keep arms, legs in truck
2d
Forklift rules
Keep the load close to the
ground
Keep to the right
Obey speed limits
2e
Forklift rules
Slow down, sound horn where
vision is obstructed
Maintain safe distances (3 truck
lengths) when following other
trucks
Do not pass a truck at
dangerous locations
2f
Forklift rules
No stunt driving or horseplay
Ensure enough clearance at
overhead locations
Stay within loaded/rated
capacity
2g
Forklift rules
Use mechanical dock locks or
set brakes of highway trucks
before driving on trailer.
Follow any special precautions
2h
Forklift rules
Keep aisles free when parking
forklift
Lower forks, neutralize controls,
shut off engine, and set brakes
when truck is unattended.
2i
Training geared for the
workplace
Types of trucks
Site-specific information
3a
Training topics
Operating instructions,
warnings, precautions
Differences between trucks and
automobiles
Truck controls, instrumentation
4a
Training topics
Engine and motor operation
Steering and maneuverability
Visibility
4b
Training topics
Fork and attachment
adaptation, operation, use
limitations
Vehicle capacity, stability
Inspection and maintenance
4c
Training topics
Refueling/recharging
Operating limitations
Other instructions
4d
Workplace-related
training topics
Surface conditions
Composition of loads
Load manipulation
5a
Workplace-related
training topics
Pedestrian traffic
Narrow aisles,
restricted areas
Hazardous
locations
5b
Workplace-related
training topics
Ramps, sloped surfaces
Closed environments
Unique, potentially hazardous
environments
5c
Differences between trucks
and automobiles
Driver has limited visibility
Rear-wheel steering
Different centers of gravity
6a
Differences between trucks
and automobiles
Controls are different
Industrial trucks carry heavier
loads
6b
Controls and
instrumentation
Critical to safe operation
Unintentional, mistaken
operation can cause serious
accidents
Know where controls are
located, what they do, how they
work
7a
Engine and motor
operation
Powered by gasoline, LP gas,
propane, or battery
8a
Engine and motor
operation
Knowing how a truck is
powered helps to understand
the truck’s capabilities,
limitations
8b
Steering and
maneuvering
Rear-end steering
Many trucks do not have a
standard steering wheel
9a
Steering and
maneuvering
Operator may need to steer in
reverse
Operator may need to steer with
one hand
Understand the controls for the
type of truck you’re operating
9b
Operator visibility
Loads can restrict vision
Look in the direction you’re
traveling
Watch for overhead obstacles
10a
Operator visibility
Ensure adequate clearance
Check blind spots to side and
rear
10b
Forks
Trucks can be equipped or
modified to accept attachments
for moving odd-shaped loads
Additions/modifications may
affect stability, safe operation
11a
Forks
Attachments can cause
restrictions/limitations to
operation
Operate trucks with
attachments as being partially
loaded
11b
Vehicle capacity
Only handle loads
within truck’s
rated capacity
Capacity is
found on
nameplate
12a
Vehicle capacity
Understand limitations for:
• how much weight can be handled
• how high the load can be raised
• how far the load’s center of gravity
can be from truck’s vertical load
rest
12b
Vehicle stability
Center of gravity shifts when
load is raised
Truck is less stable with raised
load
Moving an unstable truck can
result in tipover
13a
Vehicle stability
During a tipover:
• Stay with vehicle and lean away
from direction of fall
• Don’t jump downward while truck
is tipping
Keep load at lowest practical
point
13b
Inspection and
maintenance
Follow procedures and
schedules
Keeps forklifts operating safely
Inspect for damage, defects,
unusual conditions
14a
Inspection and
maintenance
Perform safety checks before
operation
• Fork pins and stops
• Cowling and body parts
• Fuel levels
• Belts, hoses, tires
14b
Inspection and
maintenance
Perform safety checks before
operation
• Brakes, steering, controls, hour
meter, lights, horn
• Remove unsafe trucks from
service
• Repairs must be made by
authorized person
14c
Inspection and
maintenance
Perform safety checks before
operation
• Remove vehicles from service that
emit sparks
• Don’t operate trucks with fuel
leaks
14d
Inspection and
maintenance
Perform safety checks before
operation
• Remove trucks from service that
operate in excess of normal
operating temperature
• Check water mufflers daily
14e
Fueling/charging of
batteries
Exposes workers to hazardous
chemicals
Involves electrical hazards,
heat build-up, generation of gas
Be aware of all hazards
involving fueling and battery
handling
15a
Fueling/charging of
batteries
Keep flames, sparks, arcs from
fueling areas
Smoking is not allowed in
fueling/charging areas
Keep tools and metallic objects
from top of uncovered batteries
15b
Provide operators with the
information they need
Operating instructions
Warnings
Precautions
16a
Truck-specific
information
Limitations
Operator’s manual
16b
Workplace-specific
information
Loads handled
Pedestrian traffic
Traffic routes
Unique hazards of the facility
17a
Retraining/re-evaluation
Triggered by certain events:
• Accidents
• Near-misses
• Assignment to different type of
truck
• Changes in work environment
• Observation of unsafe operation
18a
Retraining/re-evaluation
Evaluate at least every 3 years
Avoid duplication of training
18b
