YH 403: Forklift Safe Operating Rules

You should check your forklift at the beginning and ending of your shift. Here is a checklist of everything that you should check before operating, safety hazards should you be aware of, and refueling precautions. We have created an Equipment Checklist and Forklift Checklist on Google Drive you'll see by this name in the External Links. PRE-OPERATIONAL SAFETY CHECKS Check brakes, lights and horn before use. Ensure seat belt/safety restraint is in good condition. Know the capacity of the forklift or lift truck before using it. Do not use a forklift without a load rating plate. Always remember the Safe Working Load of a forklift reduces as the mast is tilted forward. Ensure that the lifting forks are in sound condition and centered either side of the mast. Check tire pressures. Never drive with a flat or under-inflated tire. Faulty equipment must not be used. Report any faults immediately. OPERATIONAL SAFETY CHECKS Do not use engine-powered forklifts in poorly ventilated areas. Always be on the lookout for pedestrians. Do not allow any person to ride on the forks. Ensure that the lifting tines are secure into the pallet and the load is stable before lifting or driving off. Be careful of ceiling clearance or overhead obstructions when raising the mast. Do not lift a load with the mast tilted forward. Always put the heavy end of the load against the load backrest. Never travel with the load elevated as it restricts vision. When approaching a blind corner, use horn and drive slowly. Always have someone guide you if a load restricts your vision. Slow down when changing direction or on wet or greasy surfaces. Do not travel with forks raised or reach mechanism extended. Avoid harsh braking, especially when carrying a load. Do not attempt to turn on an incline or sloping surface. Do not leave forks elevated when forklift is unattended. Do not dismount from a forklift while the engine is running unless the transmission is in park position and the parking brake is effectively engaged. When stopping the forklift: Park on even ground and lower the forks to the ground. Shift the gear selector to park position and apply the parking brake. Turn off the ignition and remove the keys. REFUELING & BATTERIES Do not refuel an engine-powered forklift unless the motor is stopped and ignition turned off. For gas powered vehicles change gas bottles in a well-ventilated area clear of a naked flame or source of ignition. In the case of electric vehicles wear protective eyewear and gloves when checking batteries and handling electrolyte. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES OSHA etools Power Industrial Trucks https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/pit/assistance/ ​Safety and Health Topics​ Power Industrial Trucks-Forklifts https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/poweredindustrialtrucks/ ​Power Industrial Truck Operator Training​-FAQ https://www.osha.gov/dte/library/pit/pit_q-a.html ​Free ANSI Forklift Standards through ITSDF Industrial Truck Standards Development Foundation http://www.itsdf.org/ ​Utah Safety Council (Check on membership benefits, including free training and video streaming) http://www.utahsafetycouncil.org/content/Default.aspx