How to Operate a Lift Truck Safely

Operating any type of heavy machinery is dangerous, not only for the operator but also for those who are in the vicinity of the equipment. Operating a forklift, or lift truck, is no exception. Lift trucks are often used around construction sites, or people rent them for home improvement and landscaping projects. Knowing how to safely operate a lift truck will allow everyone to work comfortably around the machine. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) requires certification before allowing a driver to operate a forklift, and the operator must renew the certification every three years.

Things You'll Need

• Certification
• Safety boots
• Leather work gloves (optional)

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with the lift truck before starting it. Know the load limit and don't exceed it. The load limit is posted near the lift on the truck. Most loads you lift will have the weight posted on the packaging. If an industrial scale is available, weigh the item you are lifting. If you have any doubts as to whether a package exceeds the weight limit, check with your supervisor before lifting it.

2. Wear the seat belt, if one is available, on the truck. Keep your head, arms and other body parts inside the lift truck when it is moving. Wear safety boots for ankle support when climbing in and out of the truck lift.

3. Check that the load has adequate overhead clearance before you lift it. Be aware of blind spots with a load and without.

4. Check for pedestrians before lifting a load. Stop operating the lift when someone is nearby. Lower the load to the ground and wait for them to pass. Never let anyone walk or stand under the forklift when it is elevated, regardless of whether it has a load or not.

5. Stay alert at all times and prepare for anything unexpected, such as the load shifting or falling off the forklift. If the load is not balanced or centered properly, it could overturn and fall off the lift. To avoid this, don't operate the forklift on a fast speed while you are loading and unloading items. Operate it in a low to medium speed.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear leather gloves when you shift loads or check skids.

• Notify your supervisor of anything abnormal, such as an overweight load, a poorly stacked load or the lift truck not operating properly. Report any accidents immediately to the supervisor.

• Don't let anyone else operate the lift truck.

• Don't lift loads that extend above the load backrest unless it can't possibly slide back towards you as you operate the truck.

• Don't attempt to adjust any portion of the load on the lift truck truck while you are operating it.

References

• OSHA Forklift Operator Safety Certification Training
• Occupational Health and Safety Regulation