1. Forklifts and telehandlers, commonly known as “Gradalls,” “Lulls,” “SkyTraks,” “Pettibones,” are defined as industrial trucks. In this document, all industrial trucks will be referred to as “forklifts.”
2. Only trained and authorized employees should use forklifts.
3. The forklift should always be inspected prior to use to ensure that it is in good operating condition. The inspection should be documented on the equipment inspection form, include a visual inspection, as well as testing the operational controls of the unit.
4. The use of additional counter balances on forklifts or people to provide counterbalancing is prohibited.
5. Employees riding or allowing other employees to ride on the forks of forklifts is prohibited.
6. Allowing riders on forklifts or bicycles to “hitch rides” on forklifts is prohibited.
7. Always wear your seatbelt when operating a forklift
8. All forklifts should have an operable backup alarm.
9. Never place any part of your body outside the running lines of a forklift or between the mast uprights or other parts of the forklift where shear or crushing hazards exist.
10. Never stand, pass or work under the elevated portion of any forklift, loaded or empty, unless it is effectively blocked to prevent it from falling.
11. Do not operate a forklift that has a leak in the fuel or hydraulic system.
12. When operating a forklift, always look in the direction of travel and never move a vehicle until you're certain your route is clear of all persons, equipment, etc.
13. When ascending or descending grades in excess of 10 percent, drive loaded forklifts with the load upgrade.
14. Always carry the forks as low as possible, consistent with safe operations.
15. When leaving a forklift unattended, always shut off the power, set the brakes, lower the forks, and bring the mast to the vertical position. If it is necessary to leave a forklift on an incline, always chock the wheels.
16. Never tower with or without an elevated load with a forklift.
17. Never operate a forklift within 10 feet of an energized high voltage source such as a power line. High voltage sources in excess of 50,000 volts will require safe approach distances greater than 10 feet (See Code of Safe Practice #28 Electrical Minimum Safe Approach Distances).
18. Never elevate an employee on the forks of a forklift or in a basket attached to the forklift.
19. Never load any truck in excess of its rated capacity as stated on the manufacturer’s identification (ID) plate.
20. Never move a loaded vehicle until the load is safe and secure.
21. Use extreme care when tilting loads. Never tilt forward with the forks elevated, except when picking up a load. Never tilt an elevated load forward, except when depositing it onto a storage rack or equivalent. When stacking or tiering, limit backward tilt to that necessary to stabilize the load.
22. Always place the forks in such a manner that the load will be securely held or supported.
23. Never operate a forklift on floors, sidewalks, doors or platforms that will not safely support the loaded vehicle.
24. Always maintain a safe minimum distance from the edge of any elevated dock, platform, freight car, truck, trailer, etc.
25. Always use forklift attachments approved by the forklift manufacturer. Do not utilize unapproved or homemade forklift attachments unless they have been reviewed and approved by the forklift manufacturer and / or a licensed structural engineer.
26. Telehandlers should not be used as a crane unless an approved lifting hook or truss boom is utilized. When using these manufacturer-approved attachments, the telehandler’s lifting capacity may be reduced. See the operator’s manual, lifting chart and / or manufacturer’s attachment guide for additional information on this. Additional operator training may also be necessary.
27. Telehandlers should not be utilized to elevate employees or other people.