1. Basic Forklift Operation

2. Forklift Operation
OSHA states “Only trained and authorized operators shall be permitted to operate a powered industrial truck.”

3. Types of Forklifts
Different types of forklifts are available, mainly for different environments:
Diesel powered
Electric powered
Gasoline powered
LP-Gas powered

4. Interesting Facts Forklifts weigh thousands of pounds.
Are extremely powerful.
Use rear wheel steering.
Can turn in a very tight circle.
Are not very wide for use in
aisles.

5. Truck Body
                                                     

6. Overhead Guard
                                    

7. Hydraulic Lift
                                                

8. Gauges                                                            

9. Truck Controls
                                                                       

10. Switches

11. Data Plates
                                          

12. Tire Types
Tire Types

13. Rear Wheel Steering
                                         
Unlike a car or truck, lift trucks use the rear wheels for steering.

14. Load Capacity
                                                

15. Load Centering
                                                                   

16. Load Centering
                                                                  

17. Load Centering
                                       

18. Speed
                                          
KEEP
YOUR
SPEED
DOWN!

19. Quick Turns
                                                                         

20. The 8 Inch Rule
                                        

21. If a load blocks your view, travel in reverse.
If Your View is Blocked
If a load blocks your view, travel in reverse.
                                                                  

22. Overhead Clearance
                                                                                      

23. Center Your Loads
                                

24. Loose Loads
                                                

25. Wide and Long Loads
                                                                                       
Wide and long loads are more unstable than other loads.
and watch your clearance.

26. Driving on Ramps
                                                                              
Unloaded

27. Driving on Ramps
                                                                     
Loaded

28. Driving Across Ramps
                                                                        

29. Driving on Various Surfaces
                                                                            

30. Will the floor of the trailer support your load?
Loading Docks
Will the floor of the trailer support your load?
                                 

31. Loading Docks
                                                                                                      

32. Loading Docks

33. Always park your truck away from traffic and on a level surface.
Parking
                              
                                 
Always park your truck away from traffic and on a level surface.

34. Parking Set directional control in neutral.
                                   
                                  
Lower forks flat on the floor.
Set directional control in neutral.

35. Turn engine off and remove key.
Parking
                              
                         
Turn engine off and remove key.
Set parking brake.

36. Intersections Intersections traffic, and sound your horn frequently.
Intersections
As you drive, watch out for people walking, and at intersections, slow down, look for
traffic, and sound your horn frequently.
Remember, ALWAYS come to a complete stop before changing direction.
                                                                                  

37. Keeping Work Area Clear
Raised Forks
Keeping Work Area Clear
                                
Never let anyone, including yourself, walk or stand under the forks when they are raised

38. No Riders
No Riders
                             
Keep in mind that you are a lift truck operator, not a taxi service.
You should never allow anyone to ride on your lift truck.

39. Wear Your Seatbelt Safety Devices
Wear Your Seatbelt
Seat Belt - Most lift trucks are equipped with a seat belt.
Use it!
                                                                       

40. Using Your Horn Often Safety Devices Horn - Sound your horn:
Using Your Horn Often
Horn - Sound your horn:
* Before backing up  * At intersections  * When traveling through doors  * Anywhere your vision is limited
or blocked
                          

41. Safety Devices
Backup Alarms
Backup
                                                         

42. Safety Devices
Warning Light
Warning Light - Some trucks are
                                                                                

43. Daily Inspection The safety equipment you must inspect daily is:
Seat Belt
Warning Light
Backup Alarm
Horn
                                                                            

44. Daily Inspection The safety equipment you must inspect daily is:
Steering
Brakes
Carriage, chains, forks
Hydraulic hoses
                                                                            

45. Daily Inspection The safety equipment you must inspect daily is:
Hydraulic lift/tilt controls
Tires
Hour Meter
Leaks
                                                                            

46. Daily Inspection The safety equipment you must inspect daily is:
Fuel level
Oil level and pressure
Water level
Fan Belt
                                                                            

47. Refueling and Recharging*
Park in designated refueling or
recharging area.
Do not block emergency equipment.
Make sure area is well ventilated.
Have extinguisher nearby.
                            

48. Refueling and Recharging*
                            
Turn off engine and lights.
Do not smoke.
Do not spill fuel.
Use only approved cans.
For LP, shut off valves.
When charging, remember
gases.