Forklift Training - General. Overview Operators must be trained and evaluated Only drive the types of trucks on which you have been trained 1a.

Forklift Training - General

Overview

• Operators must be trained and evaluated

• Only drive the types of trucks on which you have been trained

1a

Forklift rules

• Don’t stand or pass under raised forks

• Only handle stable loads within truck’s rated capacity

2a

Forklift rules

• Use a safety platform to lift people

• Only use approved trucks in hazardous locations

• Look in direction of travel

2b

Forklift rules

• Don’t drive up to anyone in front of a fixed object

• Allow no riders

• Keep arms, legs in truck

2c

Forklift rules

• Keep the load close to the ground

• Obey speed limits

2d

Forklift rules

• Slow down, sound horn at intersections

• Maintain safe following distances, clearance

• No stunt driving, horseplay

2e

Forklift rules

• Secure truck trailers before entering

• Lower forks, neutralize controls, shut off engine, and set brakes when truck is unattended

2f

Training geared for the workplace

• Truck-related topics

• Site-specific information

3a

Truck-related topics

• Operating instructions, warnings

• Forklifts vs. autos

• Truck controls

4a

Truck-related topics

• Engine, motor operation

• Steering, maneuverability

• Visibility

4b

Truck-related topics

• Fork, attachment use limitations

• Vehicle capacity, stability

• Inspection, maintenance

4c

Truck-related topics

• Refueling, recharging

• Operating limitations

• Other instructions

4d

Workplace-related topics

• Surface conditions, ramps, slopes

• Composition of loads

5a

Workplace-related topics

• Pedestrian traffic

• Narrow aisles

• Hazardous locations

• Ventilation

5b

Forklifts vs. automobiles

• Rear-wheel steering

• Different centers of gravity

• Different controls

• Heavy loads

6a

Controls and instrumentation

• Unintentional, mistaken operation can cause serious accidents

7a

Engine and motor operation

• Gasoline, LP gas, propane, or battery

8a

Steering and maneuvering

• Rear-end steering

• No standard steering wheel

• Often drive in reverse

9a

Operator visibility

• Loads can restrict vision

• Look in the direction of travel

• Check blind spots

10a

Forks

• Additions/modifications may affect stability, safe operation

• Attachments can restrict/limit operation

11a

Vehicle capacity

• Only handle loads within truck’s rated capacity

• Capacity is found on nameplate

12a

Vehicle stability

• Center of gravity shifts as load is raised

• Truck is less stable with raised load

13a

Vehicle stability

• During a tipover stay with vehicle, lean away from direction of fall

• Don’t jump down as truck tips

13b

Inspection and maintenance

• Follow procedures, schedules

• Pre-operation safety checks

14a

Inspection and maintenance

• Damage, defects, unusual conditions

• Remove unsafe trucks from service

14b

Fueling/charging of batteries

• Exposes workers to hazardous chemicals, electrical hazards

15a

Fueling/charging of batteries

• No smoking, flames, sparks, arcs

• Keep tools, metallic objects away from uncovered batteries

15b

Provide operators with complete information

• Operating instructions

• Warnings, precautions

• Limitations

16a

Workplace-specific information

• Traffic routes, pedestrians

• Unique hazards of the facility

17a

Retraining/re-evaluation

• Triggered by certain events

• Evaluate at least every 3 years

18a