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Fork Lift Truck Safety

Fork Lift Truck Operation
Forklift operators are to follow all applicable Vehicle and Mobile Equipment safety rules.

Preshift

  1. Perform a pre-shift inspection once per day prior to use, and complete an inspection checklist which is handed in to the Supervisor or Instructor.
  2. Do not operate a forklift that has a maintenance problem, or is not safe to operate. Remove the key from the ignition switch and put an "Out of Service" tag on the forklift.
  3. WorkSafe BC regulation require all forklift operators to wear seat belts when forklift is in operation.

Loading

  1. Check the rating capacity on the forklift nameplate.
  2. Determine if the load weight is within the capacity of the forklift. Note that for every one inch further away from the carriage that the load is placed, there is a loss of approximately 100 pounds carrying capacity.
  3. The forklift should be started with the forks down.
  4. Lift the forks to 3 inches.

Lifting a Palletized Load

  1. Drive to the pallet. This applies to either a pallet on a lower or upper shelf. Stop with the fork 3 inches from the load.
  2. Level the mast. The mast must be at right angles to the load.
  3. Raise the forks to 1 inch below the slot on the pallet.
  4. Drive forward into the pallet.
  5. Lift forks 4 inches.
  6. Tilt back load until secured for travel. If load will obscure vision drive the lift in reverse taking care while turning as the extra swing may cause load instability.
  7. Look back. Honk. Drive back so that load clears the pallets below.
  8. Lower the load to 3 inches above ground. Do not drag forks on the ground.
  9. Materials and equipment are to be loaded on the forklift in a manner that prevents any movement of the load that could create a hazard to workers or others.
  10. All loads that could be subject to shifting during transport are to be restrained if shifting would result in the forklift becoming unstable.

Picking Up Drums

  1. Place drums securely on a pallet. If there is any possibility of shifting of the drums, have drums strapped together to minimize movement.
  2. Tilt mast forward, slide fork tips along floor to position forks under object, raise forks and tilt back slightly to prevent shifting of the drums.
  3. If drums are filled with a liquid, be careful to drive slowly as the fluid in the drums may cause shifting during transportion.

Traveling

  1. Do not drive with arms, head or legs outside the confines of the forklift
  2. Always wear your seatbelt while operating a forklift.
  3. Turn forklift only when the forks are lowered to a safe travelling height.
  4. Drive only on smooth surfaces such as cement or asphalt, this vehicle is not designed to operate on rough terrain.
  5. Ensure that the operating (road) surface is free from ice. Use tire chains if required.
  6. Avoid operating forklift in high volumes of pedestrians. Wait for a quieter time to deliver to busy congested areas.
  7. When operating in area of pedestrian traffic minimize risk to others by cordoning off areas with signage and/or traffic cones to prevent walk through traffic.
  8. Use horn as a warning device for oncoming pedestrians.
  9. Drive to point of deposit. Position the forklift in front of deposit area.

Unloading Pallets

  1. Raise load 5-10 inches above the unloading point (space permitting).
  2. Drive forward stopping 3-4 inches in front of deposit point.
  3. Tilt mast forward to a right angle position so load is level.
  4. Drive forward until load is aligned with corners of the stack.
  5. Stop. Lower load to resting-place. Stack pallets loaded with cases, cartons straight and square. Stagger the top tier to "tie-in place".

Unloading Round Objects

  1. Stack round objects together tight and straight.
  2. Hold securely in place with wedges.
  3. To nest round objects - place the bottom tier tightly together and secure with wedges. Place wedges against each roll in the bottom for a more secure stack.
  4. Look behind you. Back up so that forks clear other pallets.
  5. Lower forks to 3 inches from the ground.

Parking

  1. Tilt the upright forward until the forks are level or flat on the floor.
  2. Apply the parking brake place transmission in neutral; chock the wheels if you have any doubt about the forklift moving.

Operations on Grades and Ramps

  1. Never turn on an angled grade.
  2. Keep unloaded forks facing downgrade.
  3. When driving a loaded forklift up a grade, ensure that forklift is driven forwards
  4. When driving a laoded forklift down a grade, the forklift must be driven in reverse.