4. Authorized Operator
Only trained and authorized personnel are
permitted to operate a forklift
Keep unauthorized employees off of forklifts
Keep pedestrians away from the operating
zone of a forklift
Lock out unsafe lifts as determined in a
preoperation inspection
5. Operating Hazards
Workplace hazards: ramps, railroad tracks,
slippery floors, poor lighting, congestion
Loads: large or bulky, uneven weight, broken
pallets, poorly stacked
Pedestrians: horseplay, unaware of forklift
areas, not paying attention
6. Nameplate
OSHA requires a legible nameplate
Includes modifications & attachments
Capacity
Load center
7. Center of Gravity
Balance point
48”
A
B
20” 40”
Distance from the edge of the
item to the item’s center of gravity
8. Load Center
Distance from vertical face of the forks
to the load’s center of gravity
–A: Load center = 24"
–B: Load center = 40" 80”
B
48””
A
1 inch = 100 lbs
Important reason for keeping the load
resting against the vertical face of forks
10. Combined Actions
Center of gravity moves
side to side
Center of gravity
moves forward
Center of gravity moves
backward to the thin portion
of the triangle
14. Preoperation Inspection
As an authorized operator,
it is your responsibility to
make sure your forklift
functions properly
OSHA requires
preoperation inspections
Company wants to comply
with OSHA and be sure
equipment is maintained
15. Walk Around
Forklift properly disengaged
–Forks down, key off, neutral gear, parking brake on
Left/right side
–Tire condition, tight lug nuts, no debris around axle,
overhead guard is solid, no debris behind the mast
Front
–Forks in good shape, fork pins in place, backrest
solid, mast & chains greased, hoses in good shape
Rear
–Counterbalance bolt is tight, radiator clear of debris
16. In the Seat
Nonmoving checks
–Gauges, lights, horn, back-up alarm, blinking
warning light, operate the tilt & lift mechanism,
check the parking brake
Moving checks
–Put on the seat belt, check the running brakes,
check the steering
Look for oil or water leaks on the floor
17. Operating a Lift Truck
Only trained, authorized operators
Immediately report forklift-related accidents
Seat belts must always be worn
No person should stand under elevated
portion of lift truck
Forklift controls operated only from
driver’s seat
Never block exits or emergency equipment
Smoking is not permitted
18. Loading/Unloading
Before raising a load, understand:
–Approximate weight of the load
–Location of the load’s center of gravity
Inspect load for stability, projections,
damaged pallets before lifting
Restack unstable loads
Never place weight on the back of
a lift truck to increase its capacity
Towing always done from rear towing pin
19. Traveling
Always look in the direction of travel
Keep body inside the cage
When moving, the mast must not be raised
Sound the horn
Operate at safe speeds
When turning, watch rear end swing
Clearance under overhead installations
20. Traveling (cont.)
Avoid loose objects or holes
If load blocks view, travel in reverse
Never carry passengers
Pedestrians always have the right-of-way
Safe distance from edge of ramps or docks
Never eat or drink
No stunt driving or horseplay
21. Ramps and Railroads
Never turn on a ramp
On ramps the load should be upgrade
Ascend or descend ramps slowly
Railroad tracks are crossed diagonally
Never park within 8 feet of the center of
railroad tracks
22. Docks
Inspect the dock plate
Check the trailer floor condition
Trailer wheels are chocked
Nose of the trailer is supported
by the tractor or a fixed jack
23. Parking
Lower the forks
Set gear to neutral
Set the parking brake
Turn off the key
24. Propane Refueling
Propane is a combustible, compressed gas
Propane leaks are detected by:
–Distinct odor
–Hissing sound
–Frost on fittings
PPE: gloves, safety glasses
25. Battery Charging
Inspect battery connectors for damage
No smoking in battery-charging area
Immediately clean up electrolyte spills
PPE includes face mask, acid-resistant
gloves, and an apron
28. Quiz
1. If your forklift has a rearview mirror,
looking behind you is not necessary. True or False
2. Name two of the three ways to detect
a propane leak: _______________, _______________
3. Describe the four items that must be completed
prior to driving your forklift into a trailer.
4. If a load blocks your vision, it is OK to raise
the load while moving to see under it. True or False
5. Preoperation inspections are done only
because OSHA says we have to do them. True or False
29. Quiz (cont.)
6. Attachments reduce capacity by increasing
the load center and adding weight. True or False
7. Minimum PPE items required when refueling
a propane tank are ___________, ____________.
8. The most important differences between a
forklift and a car are weight and steering.True or False
9. Name at least one condition that when
combined with turning sharply may cause a tipover.
10. Pedestrians have the right-of-way only
while in designated pedestrian lanes. True or False
30. Quiz Answers
1. False. You must always look behind you before
backing up.
2. Hissing sound, distinct odor, or frost on fittings.
3. Chock the wheels, support the nose of the trailer,
inspect the dock plate, check the trailer floor.
4. False. Never drive with the load up. Drive in reverse
when the load obstructs forward vision.
5. False. Inspections are also done so that the operator
can prevent mechanical failure accidents and because
the company needs to prove compliance with OSHA’s
requirement.
31. Quiz Answers (cont.)
6. True. Attachments are heavy, and they cause
the load center to move away from the forklift.
7. Gloves and safety glasses are the minimum PPE
required.
8. True. There are many differences, but the most
significant are weight and steering.
9. Hitting a pothole, carrying an off-center load,
getting a flat tire, having a raised & tilted back
load, or being on a ramp.
10. False. Pedestrians always have the right of way.
