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ForkliftFactsCHECKLIST: BEFORE YOU TURN THE KEYForklifts require special training; they operate differently from an automobile. After you’re trained and certified, here’s what you need to do before starting up:

✔ Inspect your forklift daily. Controls, brakes, tires, lights, horn and other parts must function correctly. Make minor adjustments if you’re qualified, but leave major ones to authorized mechanics.

✔ Be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning around gasoline or propane powered forklifts. Properly maintain engines and ventilate work areas to help prevent carbon monoxide accumulations.

✔ Follow all precautions for safe refueling. Keep in mind that gasoline and propane fuels and battery recharging devices can cause fires and explosions.

✔ Know the load capacity of the forklift and of any floors, elevators, ramps or trailers you will drive onto.

✔ Consider each load. Is it secure? Is the pallet structurally sound? Is it within the forklift’s load capacity?

✔ Before moving your load, picture the route in your mind. If you can’t, you’re probably not familiar enough with the route. Consider walking it to check for obstacles, obstructions, traffic concentrations and overhead clearances that pose a safety threat.

4 STRaTEgiES fOR lifTing a lOad

1 When lifting a load, position the forks so the load is evenly distributed and won’t destabilize the forklift.

2 Don’t add extra weight to the load for stability. It’s always best to restack the load.

3 Keep the forklift’s mast in a

vertical position with a slight tilt backward, and lift the load only to a height that will prevent the skid from dragging. On uneven ground, you may have to lift the load slightly higher.

4 Note overhead clearances. If in doubt, measure the height.

WATCH OUT FOR WALKERSWhen driving a forklift, always keep an eye out for workers on foot. If a pedestrian crosses your route, stop the truck and wait for them to finish crossing.

Most incidents between forklifts and pedestrians occur when the driver and pedestrian are not aware of each other. Communication is essential.

Forklifts are usually designed as one-person vehicles. Don’t pick up passengers. They are often the victims of serious accidents when they fall off forklifts or are crushed by loads.

10 TIPS FOR SAFE FORKLIFT OPERATION

1 Drive within the speed limit. Driving too fast can prevent you from stopping quickly enough, and can make the vehicle unstable. While transporting a load, the increased weight also extends the distance it takes to stop the forklift.

2 Stop as required at intersections. Sound the horn before going around blind corners.

3 If you can’t see around a load, drive backwards.

4 Never allow anyone to walk under the raised forks, and never leave a load suspended in the air without being at the controls.

5 When traveling up or down an incline with a loaded forklift, keep the load uphill from you. Travel slowly on ramps.

6 Keep your head, hands and feet inside the operator’s compartment. Never reach through the uprights. Wear your seatbelt.

7 Look before you back up.

8 Keep the load low. Stop before you raise the load.

9 Watch for slippery surfaces, potholes and other hazards. Use the correct forklift for the surface. If a forklift is designed for indoor travel on smooth surfaces, it’s hazardous to use it on outdoor terrain.

10 Remember to report any close calls or incidents which occur while you are operating the forklift. And if you have any doubts as to the safety of the load, the route or the truck you are operating, talk to your supervisor.

ForkliFt saFety is everyone’s concernThe ‘workhorses of the warehouse’ are a safety hazard as they weave their heavy loads around workers and stacked materials. A forklift incident can easily injure its driver or workers who share the floor space. Anyone who works in the plant — or just visits it — needs to be aware of the dangers associated with forklifts.