Safe Lift Truck Operation

Basic Lift Truck

Safety

Created by EBI Company, Princeton, New Jersey www.spin-safety.org

 Disclaimer
The information presented in this presentation has been compiled from
sources believed to be reliable and is intended to be a tool to assist and
guide you in building your own presentation. This program may not
address all the hazardous conditions or unsafe acts that may exist. For
that reason, SPIN cautions users to confirm accuracy and compliance
with the latest standards and best practices. Local, State/Provincial
and Federal regulations take precedence over this material.
Implementation of any practices suggested by this program is at your
sole discretion, and SPIN will have no liability to any party for any
damages including, but not limited to, direct, indirect, special or
consequential damages, arising out of or in connection with the
information provided or its use.

Created by EBI Company, Princeton, New Jersey

 Lift Trucks and Accidents
 Types of Fork Trucks or Lift Trucks

Electric (E) (ES) (EE) (EX)

Propane (LP) (LPS)

Gas (G) (GS)

Diesel (D) (DS) (DY)
 Types of Lift / Fork Truck Accidents

Speeding (leading cause of accidents)

Overhead Obstructions (esp. new drivers)

Pedestrians (some years as much as 31%)

Ultimately Unsafe Acts & Unsafe Conditions

Created by EBI Company, Princeton, New Jersey

 Pre-Start Checklist
 Any industrial truck in an unsafe operating
condition is to be removed from service
 Forklift inspections are to be done daily
 Defects shall be immediately reported and

corrected
 Repairs shall be made only by authorized

personnel
 Know the load capacity, center and weight of

the lift truck - Read the nameplate

Created by EBI Company, Princeton, New Jersey

 General Inspection Items
 Tires  Nameplate
 Steering  Attachments
 Brakes  Lights
 Hydraulic System  Overhead Guard
 Horn
 Battery
 Controls
 Back-Up Alarm
 Chains
 Mast  Seat Restraint
 Carriage System
 Fuel Line

Created by EBI Company, Princeton, New Jersey

 Basic Lift Truck Safety

Nameplate - Know the load capacity

Keep arms and legs within the lift truck

Face direction of travel

No riders

Stay to the right

Obey speed limits

Be aware of overhead clearances

No horseplay

Keep three vehicle lengths from other trucks

Yield to pedestrians

Created by EBI Company, Princeton, New Jersey

 Operating the Lift Truck
 Maintain a safe distance of at least three truck
lengths when following another fork truck
 Forklifts shall not be driven up to anyone

standing in front of a bench or other fixed

object
 There shall be sufficient clearance under

overhead installations, lights, pipes, sprinkler

systems, overhead doors, etc.

Created by EBI Company, Princeton, New Jersey

 Operating the Lift Truck
 The right-of-way shall be yielded to pedestrians
and emergency vehicles
 Passing another lift truck is prohibited
 Horseplay shall not be permitted
 Observe proper re-fueling procedures
 Passengers are prohibited on lift trucks
 If a load obstructs forward view, the lift truck

shall be driven with the load trailing

 Cross railroad tracks diagonally

Created by EBI Company, Princeton, New Jersey

 Operating the Lift Truck
 The operator must keep arms and legs inside
the lift truck running lines
 Never permit anyone under forks or elevated

loads
 Never turn on an incline
 Maintain a safe distance from the edge of

ramps, elevated docks and platforms

 Do not block emergency exits or equipment

with lift truck or material

Created by EBI Company, Princeton, New Jersey

 Moving the Load
 Never exceed the maximum load capacity
 Insert the forks all the way under the load
 Lift high enough to just clear any obstructions -

about 4 to 6 inches with no obstructions

 Tilt the mast back
 Approach loads head on
 Check the stability of the load
 Use forks at maximum allowable width

Created by EBI Company, Princeton, New Jersey

 Moving the Load
 When loading or unloading trailers

Set the brakes of the truck

Correctly place the wheel chocks on trailer

Check that weight capacity of the trailer floor

Inspect the condition of trailer floor before
entering

Make sure dock plates are secure

Use jack stands when tractors are not present

Created by EBI Company, Princeton, New Jersey

 Moving the Load
 Keep the load CG close to the front wheels
 Never drive with the load raised
 Driving around corners or blind spots, stop,

sound the horn, proceed slowly

 When driving on an incline, Keep the load uphill
 Never add extra weight to counterbalance a

load
 Don't make quick sharp turns

Created by EBI Company, Princeton, New Jersey

 Safe Operating Guidelines
 Only authorized personnel are operators
 Unloaded lift trucks shall be operated on all

grades with the forks downward

 Loaded lift trucks shall be driven with the load

upgrade
 Drivers must slow down on wet or slippery

floors
 Avoid running over loose objects or debris

Created by EBI Company, Princeton, New Jersey

 Safe Operating Guidelines
 Drive slowly, scan ahead, and be aware of
pedestrians
 Park lift trucks only in designated areas
 When parking a lift truck

Lower the load to the floor

Set the brake

Neutralize the controls

Turn off the lift truck
 Use PPE when re-fueling or re-charging

Created by EBI Company, Princeton, New Jersey

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