OPERATOR TRAINING
Lift trucks can simplify many material handling tasks. One person
and a lift truck can move large amounts of material with ease and
efficiency. Lift trucks can also prevent many injuries involving
lifting and material handling. If a lift truck is misused or unsafe
to operate, it can expose the lift truck operator to serious
injury. It can also injure pedestrians and those who work near lift
trucks. Lift truck accidents cause about one-tenth of all serious
on-the-job accidents each year. Over 2,000 serious injuries occur
annually as a result of lift truck accidents. This booklet is not a
substitute for OSHA lift truck operator safety training
requirements. However, the safety pointers in this booklet are
useful reminders for supervisors, operators, pedestrians, employees
who work around lift trucks and those who are responsible for lift
truck operations.
Avoiding Injury
Getting Ready Operator Training (OSHA) Only employees who have been
trained and authorized are permitted to operate a powered
industrial truck. Employers are responsible for training operators
in the safe operation of powered industrial trucks. Lift Truck
Basics * Balance: The wheels of a lift truck act as the balance
point. They stabilize the truck between the load in front and the
counterweight in the rear. A truck loaded beyond its capacity can
tip forward or on its side and cause serious injury. * Steering: A
lift truck differs from other vehicles in several ways. Most lift
trucks are steered by the rear wheels. Lift trucks steer more
easily loaded than empty. A lift truck is often driven in reverse,
when the operator’s forward view is obstructed. It must be steered
with both hands, except when one hand is used to operate the
controls.
One person and a lift truck can move large amounts of material with
ease and efficiency.
Employers are responsible for training operators in the safe
operation of powered industrial trucks.
Operator Training (OSHA) Only employees who have been trained and
authorized are permitted to operate a powered industrial truck.
Employers are responsible for training operators in the safe
operation of powered industrial trucks. Lift Truck Basics *
Balance: The wheels of a lift truck act as the balance point. They
stabilize the truck between the load in front and the counterweight
in the rear. A truck loaded beyond its capacity can tip forward or
on its side and cause serious injury. * Steering: A lift truck
differs from other vehicles in several ways. Most lift trucks are
steered by the rear wheels. Lift trucks steer more easily loaded
than empty. A lift truck is often driven in reverse, when the
operator’s forward view is obstructed. It must be steered with both
hands, except when one hand is used to operate the controls.
Employers are responsible for training operators in the safe
operation of powered industrial trucks.
Use a checklist to inspect a lift truck thoroughly before operating
it.
Inspection Pre-Start Safety Inspection Use a checklist to inspect a
lift truck thoroughly before operating it. Inspect the brakes,
tires, controls, lights, horn and other component parts. Safeguards
such as the overhead guard must be in place. If a lift truck isn’t
working safely, remove it from service immediately and report it to
your supervisor. Repairs should be made only by trained and
authorized personnel. Load Limits All lift trucks must carry an
identification plate that shows the rated load capacity of the
truck. Stay within that capacity.
The information provided in this booklet does not take the place of
a certified Driver / Operators Training Program conducted by
certified trainer. The information is provided as basic informative
information. It is suggested you contact your local dealer or a
certified driver training professional. – Thank You
Before you begin loading or unloading, set the brakes and chock the
rear wheels so the truck trailer or railroad car can’t move.
Stop, sound your horn and proceed with caution at doorways, blind
corners and intersections.
Special Situations Certain lift truck circumstances require extra
caution. Backing •Always look behind you before you back up. •
Sound your horn to warn employees of your presence. Then proceed
with caution, looking in your direction of travel. Inclines and
Ramps •Travel with the load uphill, whether you’re going up or
coming down. • Keep a safe distance from the edges of ramps,
elevated platforms, docks, etc. • Drive slowly down ramps and allow
extra room to stop. High Lifts Watch for storage racks, projecting
stock and other obstructions as you raise or lower a load.
Certain lift truck circumstances require extra caution. Backing
•Always look behind you before you back up. • Sound your horn to
warn employees of your presence. Then proceed with caution, looking
in your direction of travel. Inclines and Ramps •Travel with the
load uphill, whether you’re going up or coming down. • Keep a safe
distance from the edges of ramps, elevated platforms, docks, etc. •
Drive slowly down ramps and allow extra room to stop. High Lifts
Watch for storage racks, projecting stock and other obstructions as
you raise or lower a load.
Travel with the load uphill, whether you’re going up or coming
down.
Keep a safe distance from the edges of ramps, elevated platforms
and docks.
Docks * Make sure the dock-plates are securely fastened before you
travel over them. •All trucks, trailers and railroad cars must have
their brakes set and rear wheels chocked to prevent movement when
loading and unloading. • Before you enter a disconnected highway
trailer, make sure the front end of the trailer is supported by a
jack to prevent upending when loading and unloading. Parking
•Before you leave a lift truck unattended, place the forks flat on
the floor and set the controls in neutral. Turn off the engine and
set the brake. • Don’t leave your truck in an aisle or doorway.
Make sure it won’t obstruct emergency equipment. • Your truck is
considered unattended if you are more than 25 feet from it or if
you can’t see it.
Safety Objectives
Follow posted safety instructions for refueling, charging, handling
and storage.
Yield the right of way to pedestrians.
Operating a lift truck is an important responsibility. Accident
Prevention •You must be trained and authorized to operate a lift
truck. • Always maintain a safe speed and have full control of your
lift truck. • Use operator safety restraints whenever they’re
provided. • Report any unsafe condition to your supervisor
immediately. Refueling Safely •Refuel only in designated areas. •
Follow posted safety instructions for refueling, charging, handling
and storage.
Working Near Employees • Warn pedestrians and other workers of your
presence. • Yield the right of way to pedestrians. •Don’t drive
your lift truck up to anyone standing in front of a fixed object
such as a wall. • Be careful of employees when servicing work areas
and assembly lines.
Yield the right of way to pedestrians.
Trailers Before you begin loading or unloading, set the brakes and
chock the rear wheels so the truck trailer or railroad car can’t
move. Trailers that are not coupled to a tractor should have a jack
in place to support the front end of the trailer. This will prevent
them from upending during loading and unloading operations. Loading
and Unloading •Make sure the load is stable before you move it.
Move the lift truck carefully into position. Adjust the forks to
the width of the load for load stability. • Drive forward until the
forks are positioned all the way into the load. Brace the load
against the fork carriage, the section of the fork that’s attached
to the mast. • Lift the load slightly and back out. Don’t maneuver
or turn the truck while the forks are in the raised position. Lower
the load to within 4 inches of the floor. Tilt the mast back before
you travel with the load. • Handle only loads that are stable and
arranged safely. Stay in the center of the aisle as you
travel.
Safety Precautions
Speed and carelessness can be dangerous when operating a lift
truck. Follow these lift truck safety rules. •Keep your hands, arms
and legs inside the lift truck. Obey posted speed limits and other
signs, including aisle markings. • Wear personal protective
equipment, including head, eye, hand, foot and respiratory
protection as needed. • Start, stop, travel and brake smoothly,
with no sudden or jerky movements. Keep at least three vehicle
lengths between your truck and the vehicle ahead. Don’t try to
overtake and pass other trucks at intersections or blind corners. •
Be alert for other trucks and low overhead clearances. • Stop,
sound your horn and proceed with caution at doorways, blind corners
and intersections. Use caution when pedestrians are present. •
Concentrate on operating your lift truck safely, and keep a clear
view of where you’re going. If the load blocks your view, drive in
reverse. • Don’t let anyone stand or walk under the elevated forks.
Don’t let anyone ride on the lift truck, and don’t use a lift truck
to lift people. The only exception is when an approved safety
platform is used.
Slow and Easy
Pedestrian Safety
As a pedestrian, you must follow these guidelines as you work near
lift trucks. •Don’t try to operate a lift truck unless you’ve been
trained and authorized by your supervisor. • Stay alert for the
sight and sound of a lift truck. • Don’t use short-cuts. Walk only
in designated aisles and walk-ways. Stop and look both ways before
you cross aisles and intersections. Then proceed with caution. •
Don’t walk or stand under the raised forks of a lift truck. Stand
clear of lift trucks so the wheels won’t run over your feet. • Use
extra caution around lift trucks. Stay clear of them during loading
and unloading operations. The operators are concentrating on their
work and may be unaware of your presence. • Follow posted
instructions in refueling and recharging areas. Don’t smoke near a
lift truck that’s being refueled or recharged. • Watch for the
rear-end swing of a turning lift truck. Be on the lookout for lift
trucks that are backing up or out. The operator may not be able to
see you. • Lift trucks sometimes have to work in areas with tight
clearances. Stay away from those areas. • Lift trucks are designed
to handle material, not people. Don’t try to ride or hitch-hike on
a lift truck, on the truck forks or on the load. It can be
dangerous for you as well as for the operator. Remember Lift trucks
are not cars. They are complex material handling vehicles and can
be dangerous if they’re not operated safely. The safe operation of
a lift truck is your responsibility. It’s your job to follow lift
truck safety rules for your safety and the safety of your fellow
workers.
Trailers Before you begin loading or unloading, set the brakes and
chock the rear wheels so the truck trailer or railroad car can’t
move. Trailers that are not coupled to a tractor should have a jack
in place to support the front end of the trailer. This will prevent
them from upending during loading and unloading operations. Loading
and Unloading •Make sure the load is stable before you move it.
Move the lift truck carefully into position. Adjust the forks to
the width of the load for load stability. • Drive forward until the
forks are positioned all the way into the load. Brace the load
against the fork carriage, the section of the fork that’s attached
to the mast. • Lift the load slightly and back out. Don’t maneuver
or turn the truck while the forks are in the raised position. Lower
the load to within 4 inches of the floor. Tilt the mast back before
you travel with the load. • Handle only loads that are stable and
arranged safely. Stay in the center of the aisle as you
travel.
Speed and carelessness can be dangerous when operating a lift
truck. Follow these lift truck safety rules. •Keep your hands, arms
and legs inside the lift truck. Obey posted speed limits and other
signs, including aisle markings. • Wear personal protective
equipment, including head, eye, hand, foot and respiratory
protection as needed. • Start, stop, travel and brake smoothly,
with no sudden or jerky movements. Keep at least three vehicle
lengths between your truck and the vehicle ahead. Don’t try to
overtake and pass other trucks at intersections or blind corners. •
Be alert for other trucks and low overhead clearances. • Stop,
sound your horn and proceed with caution at doorways, blind corners
and intersections. Use caution when pedestrians are present. •
Concentrate on operating your lift truck safely, and keep a clear
view of where you’re going. If the load blocks your view, drive in
reverse. • Don’t let anyone stand or walk under the elevated forks.
Don’t let anyone ride on the lift truck, and don’t use a lift truck
to lift people. The only exception is when an approved safety
platform is used.