Forklift Trucks - Maintaining Truck Control

Ensure that forks are:

• Level.
• High enough to go into the pallet.
• Proper width to provide even distribution of the weight.
• All the way under the load, reaching up to at least two-thirds of the load length.

• Lift the load straight until it is clear, then tilt back.
• Watch that the load does not catch on adjacent loads or obstructions.
• Do not raise or lower the forks before you stop the lift truck and set the brakes.
• Ensure that the forks are free of the load before backing up.

• Tilt loads backwards.
• Travel with forks as low as possible from the floor and tilted back (maximum 10cm/4" above the floor).
• Match speed to driving, load and workplace conditions.
• Obey posted traffic signs.
• Decrease speed at all corners, sound horn and watch the swing of both the rear of the lift truck and the load.
• Watch for pedestrians.
• Avoid sudden stops.

• Travel in reverse when a load blocks your vision and always look in the direction of travel.
• Check for adequate overhead clearance when entering an area or when raising the forks.
• Watch out for the following dangers on the floor or roadway: oil spots, wet spots, loose objects, or holes, rough surfaces, people, and other vehicles.
• Approach at an angle when crossing railroad tracks.
• Maintain a safe working limit from all overhead power lines.
• Do not turn on ramps.
• Do not elevate the load when the forklift truck is on an incline.

• Have the load carried by the front wheels.
• Turn with the rear wheels.
• Do not turn a lift truck steering wheel sharply at fast speeds.
• Do not overload a lift truck. It can cause a loss of steering control.
• Do not add extra weight to a counterweight to improve steering.

• Face the rear.
• Sound horn before moving.
• Go slowly.
• Stop when vision is limited or blocked. Sound the horn and go slowly.

• Keep the forks pointed downhill without a load.
• Keep the forks pointed uphill with a load.
• Do not turn until on level ground.

• Secure lift truck when left unattended.
• Park in an approved location.
• Set the brakes.
• Lower the forks or load to the floor.
• Neutralize the controls.
• Turn off the motor switch.
• Disconnect battery or go through propane shut-down procedures.