COMPLETE TRAINING & WEAR SAFETY CLOTHING.
Only trained and certified operators may use lift trucks. Wear designated work clothes and protective devices.
COMPLETE PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION.
Inspect the lift truck before starting work, and inform the supervisor immediately if there are problems.
WEAR THE SEAT BELT.
Fasten your seat belt before operating the lift truck.
TAKE NO RIDERS.
A lift truck is built for only one person, positioned in the designated area.
WATCH YOUR SPEED.
Always operate the lift truck at a speed that is appropriate for the environment. Observe the worksite rules for safe operation.
USE SUITABLE PALLETS.
Use pallets and skids that can withstand the load weight. Don’t use damaged, deformed or decayed pallets and skids
AVOID HAZARDS.
Don’t drive over objects (e.g., scattered pieces of wood), as this could cause load shift or loss of control.
ENSURE STABLE LOADS.
Safely and properly stack the load on the pallets and skids. Use prevention measures such as ropes or binders, if needed.
KEEP CLEAR OF THE MAST.
Don’t place hands or feet on or near the mast or chains, as injury may occur.
KNOW LOAD WEIGHTS.
Don’t operate with a load that exceeds the lifting capacity.
KEEP FORKS LOW.
Don’t travel with the forks higher than a foot from the floor. Never travel or turn with the forks in an elevated position or tilted forward.
PAY ATTENTION TO SPECIAL LOADS.
Take extra care when carrying a long or wide load. Make sure load is balanced; turn and work slowly to prevent load shift.
USE A HELPER IN NARROW SPACES.
Predetermine signals with a helper. The operator must keep the helper in sight and follow all signals.
GET A CLEAR VIEW.
If visibility is obstructed, always stop, sound horn and look left and right before proceeding. A lookout helper may be needed.
BACK UP WITH CARE.
Drive carefully when backing up, always looking in the direction of travel.
DON’T USE FORK TIPS.
Fork tips should never be used as a lever to raise a heavy load. Don’t push a load with the top of forks, and don’t use the tilt cylinder to pull a load.
STAY IN DESIGNATED AREAS.
Don’t operate a lift truck in an aisle or a walkway designated for pedestrians only.
STOP TO SPEAK.
Obey the “two-foot rule” when stopping to speak with a pedestrian, maintaining two feet (or outstretched arm’s length) between the lift truck and the pedestrian.
MAKE SLOW TURNS.
Travel slowly when turning. Even at slow speeds, a sharp turn could cause a lift truck to tip over.
WATCH YOUR HEIGHT.
Ensure the clearance height is sufficient when entering or exiting buildings.
MAKE EYE CONTACT.
Be sure to make eye contact with any pedestrian who must walk past, in front of or behind the lift truck being operated.
USE HAND SIGNALS.
Use “STOP” and “GO AHEAD” hand signals to communicate with pedestrians. Stop at all intersections where a pedestrian is present, and wait for a wave before proceeding.
MAINTAIN BRAKE CONTACT.
Maintain contact with the lift truck’s brake pedal when approaching a pedestrian, intersection or blind corner.