Powered Industrial Trucks

Always operate the vehicle according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Always wear a seatbelt when the forklift has one.
Never exceed the rated load and ensure it is stable and balanced.
Do not raise or lower the load while traveling.
Keep a safe distance from platform and ramp edges.
Be aware of other vehicles in the work area.
Have clear visibility of the work area and ensure you have enough clearance when raising, loading, and operating a forklift.
Use proper footing and the handhold, if available, when entering the lift.
Use horns at cross aisles and obstructed areas.
Watch for pedestrians and observe the speed limit.
Do not give rides or use the forks to lift people.

Provides an alert regarding the hazards of materials handling using forklifts.

Trucks are not be driven up to anyone standing in front of a bench or other fixed object.
No person is allowed to stand or pass under the elevated portion of any truck, whether loaded or empty.
Unauthorized personnel are not be permitted to ride on powered industrial trucks. A safe place to ride shall be provided where riding of trucks is authorized.
When a powered industrial truck is left unattended, load engaging means shall be fully lowered, controls are to be neutralized, power shall be shut off, and brakes set. Wheels shall be blocked if the truck is parked on an incline.
When the operator of an industrial truck is dismounted and within 25 ft. of the truck still in his view, the load engaging means shall be fully lowered, controls neutralized, and the brakes set to prevent movement.
A safe distance will be maintained from the edge of ramps or platforms while on any elevated dock, or platform or freight car. Trucks shall not be used for opening or closing freight doors.
Brakes should be set and wheel blocks in place to prevent movement of trucks, trailers, or railroad cars while loading or unloading.
Only approved industrial trucks are be used in hazardous locations.

All traffic regulations shall be observed, including authorized plant speed limits.
A safe distance shall be maintained approximately three truck lengths from the truck ahead, and the truck shall be kept under control at all times.
The right of way shall be yielded to ambulances, fire trucks, or other vehicles in emergency situations.
The driver shall be required to slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles and other locations where vision is obstructed.
Railroad tracks shall be crossed diagonally wherever possible. Parking closer than 8 feet from the center of railroad tracks is prohibited.
The driver shall be required to look in the direction of, and keep a clear view of the path of travel.
Grades shall be ascended or descended slowly.
Under all travel conditions the truck shall be operated at a speed that will permit it to be brought to a stop in a safe manner.
Dockboard or bridgeplates, shall be properly secured before they are driven over. Dockboard or bridgeplates shall be driven over carefully and slowly and their rated capacity never exceeded.
When ascending or descending grades in excess of 10 percent, loaded trucks shall be driven with the load upgrade.

Only stable or safely arranged loads shall be handled.
Caution shall be exercised when handling off-center loads which cannot be centered.
Only loads within the rated capacity of the truck shall be handled.
Extreme care shall be used when tilting the load forward or backward, particularly when high tiering.

Remove from service any forklift found to be in unsafe operating condition.
Keep forklifts in clean condition; free of excess oil and grease.
Repair and maintain according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Forklifts shall be examined before being placed back in service.
Where forklifts are used on a round-the-clock basis, they shall be examined after each shift.

Training Program

Only trained and certified workers may operate a forklift.
Training must consist of a combination of formal instruction (e.g., lecture, discussion, interactive computer learning, video tape, written material), practical training (demonstrations performed by the trainer and practical exercises performed by the trainee), and evaluation of the operator's performance in the workplace.
All operator training and evaluation must be conducted by persons who have the knowledge, training, and experience to train powered industrial truck operators and evaluate their competence.
Powered industrial truck operators must receive initial training in truck-related topics and workplace-related topics.

Operating instructions, warnings, and precautions for the types of truck the operator will be authorized to operate.
Differences between the truck and the automobile.
Truck controls and instrumentation: where they are located, what they do, and how they work.
Steering and maneuvering, engine and motor operation.
Fork and attachment adaptation, operation, and use limitations; vehicle stability and capacity.
Visibility (including restrictions due to loading).
Any vehicle inspection and maintenance that the operator will be required to perform.
Refueling and/or charging and recharging of batteries.
Operating limitations; and other operating instructions, warnings, or precautions listed in the operator's manual for the types of vehicle that the employee is being trained to operate.

Surface conditions where the vehicle will be operated.
Composition of loads to be carried and load stability.
Load manipulation, stacking, and unstacking.
Pedestrian traffic in areas where the vehicle will be operated.
Narrow aisles and other restricted places where the vehicle will be operated.
Hazardous (classified) locations where the vehicle will be operated.
Ramps and other sloped surfaces that could affect the vehicle's stability.
Closed environments and other areas where insufficient ventilation or poor vehicle maintenance could cause a buildup of carbon monoxide or diesel exhaust.
Other unique or potentially hazardous environmental conditions in the workplace that could affect safe operation.

Additional resources for using powered industrial trucks.

Provides the investigative process after a forklift fatality.

Provides access to Federal OSHA's eTool for forklifts.

Provides a pre-recorded webinar on forklifts.