Familiarizing the operator with the forklift and

controls

Phase 1: Read through Forklift Safety Rules and Authorization document with employees.

Phase 2: During this phase, the trainee will learn the location of all the forklift controls and features as well as the functions associated with these controls.

Projected duration for this Phase: 45 minutes

1. How to raise and lower the forks

Instructor mounts the forklift and shows the employee:

2. How to tilt the forks forward and back

3. How to side-shift the forks left and right.

4. How to activate and de-activate the parking brake.

5. How to turn lights off and on.

6. Where to find directional levers and how they are used to move forward or in the reverse direction.

7. Which pedal accelerates the forklift and which pedal is the brake. Instructor explains to the driver that just like a vehicle, only one foot should be used to control both pedals.

8. Where to find the horn on the forklift and how to use it.

9. How to adjust the side mirrors.

10. Where to find the seatbelt and how to fasten it.

11. How to adjust the seat so they can reach the pedals easily.

Phase 3: During this phase, the trainee learns how to use the fork control levers.

The trainees are asked to mount their forklifts and practice using the controls.

The instructor must tell all the trainees that they are not to touch any of the controls until instructed to do so and to keep their feet off the pedals.

Trainees are asked to raise their forks to their shoulder height and lower the forks to about 1 inch from the floor.

The trainees are asked to do this a total of five times.

While the forks are at trainee's shoulder height, the instructor directs the trainees to side-shift the forks to the left as far as the forklift will allow and then to the right.

The trainees are asked to do this a total of five times.

While the forks are level and at trainee's shoulder height, trainees are asked to tilt forks forward, back and return to the level position.

When tilting forks, trainees must tilt the forks forward and back as far as the forklift will allow.

The trainees are asked to do this a total of five times.

The instructor now begins to teach the trainees how to move

the forklift forward, backward and how to stop. Trainees are told to move and stop the forklifts while

staying within the yellow lines of a row.

This is done so that trainees can become accustomed to their forklift and learn how long it actually takes to cause their forklift to stop. 

The instructor directs the trainees to keep their eyes on his

hands. The trainees are asked to drive forward and back a total

of 10 times.

The instructor signals the trainees to back up and then stop.

The instructor then signals the trainees to drive towards him and then stop.

Phase 4: During this phase, the trainee will learn how toeffectively maneuver and stop a forklift.

Tools and Equipment Needed: 7- cones1- stopwatch1- roll of 3-inch caution tape1- 48x40 pallet

How to set up the Slalom Course:Total of 7 cones are used.5 cones are placed in a straight line, 14 ft apart from each other.

A mark is to be placed on the floor. The mark is to be created using 3-inch wide caution tape and must be located 8 feet from the two cones.

A pallet is to be placed so that there is 8 inches of space between the caution tape and the pallet.

The pallet is to be centered in between the two cones and so that the 48 inch side faces the cones.

Description of Course: Trainees will be asked to drive forward while maneuvering around cones placed in a straight line.

Trainees must start by positioning the forks four feet from the first cone while ensuring the cone is centered between the forks.

Trainees must be instructed to drive forward toward the pallet at the end of the course. Trainees must be instructed to weave back and forth around the cones without impacting any of the cones or stopping.

When the trainee reaches the two cones in front of the pallet, they are to apply the brakes. They are not to apply the brakes before that point.

The trainee is to stop the forklift in one fluid motion (no jerking, sudden or multiple stops) with the tips of the forks placed after the yellow line but not reach the pallet. The forks are to be in line with the pallet openings/notches.

Final Exam

The trainee repeats the same course until he can successfully complete the course within 20 seconds.

The timer starts from the time the driver starts moving the forklift forward and stops when the driver stops in front of the pallet.