// Forklifts

Forklift Trucks - Professional Operator

Who can operate the forklift truck? Forklift trucks should be operated only by experienced workers who are trained, certified or licensed to perform this task.

Who can operate the forklift truck?

context Forklift trucks should be operated only by experienced workers who are trained, certified or licensed to perform this task. Some jurisdictions specify that only a "competent" or "authorized" person may operate powered lift trucks and others may specify a minimum operator age (e.g., 18 years or older). Check with your local occupational health and safety government department for more information.
context The CSA standard B335-15 (R2020), "Safety standard for lift trucks", includes the development and implementation of a lift truck safety program, operator training requirements, qualifications of the lift truck trainer (including medical and fitness requirements), maintenance and repair practices, etc.

What should an operator do when operating the forklift truck?

context Know the recommended load limit of the forklift and never exceed it.
context Know how to assess the weight of the load to be lifted.
context Do a visual and operational check of the forklift at the start of the shift.
context Always inspect and wear any seat belt or operator restraint device or system when these devices are available on the forklift truck.
context Know how to properly enter and leave the vehicle.
context Be familiar with the route for travel.
context Look ahead for any obstructions or restrictions that might be in the path you are going to travel (e.g., slippery floors, items in the path, weight restrictions for floors, dock or bridge plates, elevators, etc.).
context Check for adequate overhead clearance before raising the load.
context Operate a forklift smoothly when stopping, starting, lifting and tilting.
context Know the blind spots of the lift truck with and without a load.
context Use corner mirrors, back-up alarms, buzzers and warning lights to help prevent collisions.
context Communicate with workers who are nearby so they understand where you plan to travel.
context Keep pedestrians away from a forklift in operation. Operate with extreme caution when near pedestrians and yield the right of way to pedestrians.
context Stop when anyone crosses the route being travelled. Lower the load to the floor, and wait until it is clear.
context Operate at a safe speed, taking into consideration all conditions.
context If loading another vehicle (e.g., transport truck), verify that the load wheels on the other vehicle are chocked before driving into the space.
context Use proper procedures when travelling on inclines or ramps. See Forklift Trucks - Maintaining Truck Control.
context Ensure that the fire exits, stairways and fire equipment are not blocked by the truck or the load.
context Wear leather gloves when moving or shifting loads or when checking skids.
context Wear fully laced safety boots to provide impact protection when moving loads or skids and to provide ankle support when mounting and dismounting the lift truck.
context Remain alert and prepare for the unexpected.
context Note anything that affects the normal operation of the forklift and tell the supervisor immediately.
context Keep hands, arms, head, feet and legs inside the confines of a moving forklift.
context Stay in the truck in case of overturn.
context Maintain posture in the direction of travel.
context Go over railroad tracks at an angle, where possible.
context Make sure no one is standing or passing under the elevated portion of the forklift truck.
context Report any collisions, damage or near-miss incidents to a supervisor immediately.

What should an operator not do when operating a forklift truck?

The operator should not:

requirement Operate a lift truck that does not have capacity rating information.
requirement Travel with the load raised more than ten centimetres (4 inches) from the floor.
requirement Leave the vehicle unattended while running or loaded.
requirement Allow unauthorized persons to operate the vehicle.
requirement Try to move or adjust any part of the load, the forklift or the surroundings when on the forklift.
requirement Lift a load that extends above the load backrest unless no part of the load can possibly slide back toward the operator.
requirement Allow anyone but the operator to ride on the forklift truck, unless the forklift truck has been designed for a second person.
requirement Use pallets elevated by forklifts as an improvised working platform.
requirement Allow anyone to stand or walk under the elevated part of any forklift truck, whether loaded or unloaded.
requirement Make any repairs or adjustments to the forklift truck, unless authorized to do so.