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Forklift Safety Basics

Circle Check

Stability Triangle

Lifting and Moving

Pedestrian Safety

Traveling On Inclines

Loading Trucks

Forklift Accidents

Handling Propane

Legal Issues

• Ensure the forks are level and high enough to go into the pallet but not puncture the load.

• Place forks as far under the load as possible while keeping in mind the length of the forks and objects behind the load.

• Lift the load straight up until it is clear, then tilt back, drive with the load against the backrest.

•  Watch that the load or forks do not catch on adjacent loads or obstructions.

• Allow safe working distance between forklifts.

• Do not pass a forklift travelling in the same direction at intersections, blind spots or other dangerous locations.

• Stay constantly alert to changing or unusual conditions.

• Do not permit anyone to stand or walk under the elevated part of any forklift, whether loaded or unloaded.

Forklifts speeding down warehouse aisle

Keep it low, Keep it slow!!!

Speed of travel and load movement are critical factors for material handling safety

Look for overhead hazards both when lifting a load and while travelling.

Never drive with mast extended

Know your workspace

• Check operating clearance space. 

• Watch for overhead obstructions.

• Avoid driving over loose objects or on surfaces with ruts and holes.

• Avoid abrupt hydraulic system movement which could rupture hydraulic hoses or de-stabilize the load.

• Do not operate forklift without load backrest or overhead guard.

• Do not lift a load that extends above the load backrest unless no part of the load can possibly slide back toward the operator.

• Do not move loads which are poorly piled or stacked.

Unstable load and removed load backrest make a recipe for disaster

Know the limits of crates, bins, pallets, skids and other storage containers you are stacking

• ONLY raise or lower the forks when stopped and brakes applied.

• When depositing a load, ensure the forks are free of the load before you back up.

• Stack materials properly for safe and efficient retrieval.  

• Be alert for materials which may have been stored improperly.

• Use extreme care when tilting loads. 

• Tilting elevated forks forward shall be prohibited except when picking up a load or where the load is to be deposited.

• Keep heavier materials near floor.

Maintain a safe speed in every action you take while using powered lift equipment

• Match your speed to the surface being driven on, load being carried and workplace conditions. 

• Do not start, stop, turn or change direction suddenly or at speed. 

• Stack items so that they do not extend into aisles.

• When forks are empty, mast should be tilted back to prevent tips of forks from contacting ground, or other obstacles.

• Notify supervisor if a hazardous substance is spilled, follow proper procedure for clean up.

Forks punctured barrel causing a spill of a hazardous liquid

Always use caution and slowly guide forks safely into pallet keeping in mind the length of the tines.