• Forklifts are not known for their maneuverability. Don't expect them to stop or swerve as easily as a car.

• Forklifts can also weigh two or three times more than a car. The reason is that forklifts carry heavy loads in the front so, to balance the load, they typically have a counterweight over the rear tires to prevent them from tipping forward. 

Keeping a forklift balanced

Every forklift operator needs to constantly think about keeping their unit from tipping. A forklift works on essentially the same principle as a teeter-totter-- the weight of the load on the forks must be counterbalanced by the weight of the forklift body and counterweight. 

The primary source for determining the load your forklift can handle is the forklift's nameplate (also known as the data plate, capacity plate, ID plate). The nameplate will state the capacity of the forklift, which is the manufacturer's guideline for how much weight the forklift can safely lift.

Line of Action

If you were to imagine a line running straight up and down through the combined center of gravity.; to remain stable, the bottom of this "line of action" has to be inside the stability triangle.

No matter how busy you are, you are required to inspect your vehicle for defects and safety hazards at least daily before placing it in service. It is in the best interest of both the operator and others in the space to ensure these pre-use inspections take place. Although Facilities Management has a growing culture of safety, SUU is not exempt from injuries, and injuries have occurred on campus because proper per-use inspections did not take place. Given the heavy loads a forklift carries, even a seemingly small defect could lead to a serious incident.

Using a checklist helps ensure that you don't miss any critical steps and gives you peace of mind that your unit is ready to operate. Below is an example of a two-part checklist:

Before Picking up a Load

To help prevent your forklift from tipping while picking up a load, take these safety precautions:

• Wear any personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Mount and dismount using three points of contact.

• Fasten your seatbelt or use lap bar.

• Be sure you know exactly what you'll be lifting. Is it within the capacity limits of the forklift? Will it be secure?

• Use the load extension backrest whenever possible.

• Plan your path of travel, ensure all obstacles including lights, pipes, or wires are out of the way or plan to avoid them.

Lifting a Load

• Set the width of the forks as far apart as possible under the load to evenly distribute the weight.

• Drop the forks and slowly position them under the load, driving forward until the load is resting against the backrest.

• Only raise or lower the forks when the lift truck is stopped.

• Help stabilize the load by tilting it back, so it stays tight against the backrest.

Traveling with a Load

When operating a forklift, always pay close attention to what's going on around you, especially when you're traveling. Some general rules for moving and maneuvering safely:

• Load height: The lower the load, the more stable it is. Always travel with the forks and the load at the lowest safe height. That's usually about two to four inches off the ground, though you may have to raise them slightly to travel over bumps or seams.

• Raising and lowering loads: Never raise or lower the load while you're in motion. Your combined center of gravity will become a moving target, and one you may not be able to control.

• Cornering: Your forklift has rear steering, so its rear end will swing wide when cornering. The opposite is true when backing a forklift. Always make sure you have plenty of clearance. 

• Traveling speed: Safe speed for a forklift depends on what you're moving, available space, and other traffic. All should be considered and planned for before hauling loads or traveling with the machine.

• Surface hazards: Watch for bumps, wet, oily, or icy surfaces along your route. Make plans to avoid these hazards where possible.

• Ramps or Inclines: Ramps or inclines are hazardous and require special attention. 

• Docks and platforms: Keep a safe distance from the edge of ramps or dock platforms.

• Railroad tracks: Approach the tracks at a 45-degree angle to avoid getting stuck or losing balance.

• Protective frame: Never travel with any part of your body outside of the protective frame- a hand or foot could easily get pinched or crushed.

• Pedestrians: Pedestrians always have the right-of-way.

  • Be on constant alert for pedestrians.

  • Use the convex mirrors if your workplace has them.

  • Sound the horn and proceed with care at intersections. 

  • Never approach someone head-on who's standing in front of a bench, wall or other fixed object. Your forklift could lurch forward and pin or crush them. Instead, approach parallel to the person and the fixed object.

  • Don't let anyone walk under your raised forks (even if you're not carrying a load).

  • Never give anyone a ride on your forklift.

Placing a Load

Common sense should rule when placing a load. Your goal is to ensure that your load is safe and stable.

Before placing a load:

• Make sure the surface where the lad is to be placed is flat and sturdy, so the load won't tilt. 

• If the load is going in a rack or storage loft, be sure the load will be safely supported.

  • Check the rack frame and decking. If it's damaged, wait until it's been repaired before placing the load.

• Before stacking, see that the bottom pallets are in good condition and able to support the additional weight.

• Never place heavy loads on top of light loads. 

To place a load:

• Stop in front of your destination.

• Look for overhead obstructions and, if there aren't any, slowly raise the load to the height required.

• Stay on the forklift and at the controls whenever you raise a load.

• Position the load and drive slowly forward.

• Lower the load. Place it square and straight.

• Once the load settles, look for pedestrians or obstacles in your path, then back up slowly.

• Don't turn the forklift or change the fork height until you're sure the forks are clear of the pallet.

• Lower the forks before you turn or drive away.