Forklift Training Requirements
General Forklift Safety Training Requirements
It is imperative that you receive proper forklift training when operating a forklift. Forklift accidents are one of the leading causes of death in the workplace. There are many subject areas that need to be covered.
You first need to know the rated capacity of your forklift. How much can you lift safely? Forklifts have counterweights that allow them to lift heavy objects.
Next, you need to know the “stability triangle”. Almost all industrial counterbalanced trucks have a three-point suspension system, i.e. the vehicle is supported on three points. This is true even if the vehicle has four wheels. The truck’s steering axle is attached to the truck by a pivot pin in the center of the axle. When the points are connected with imaginary lines, this three-point support forms a triangle called the triangle of stability.
You also need to know how to perform a basic inspection. A good inspection consists of looking under the truck for leaks, checking all hose connections, checking the hydraulics, fuel lines, and battery. You should always complete an inspection checklist.
Other topics that should be covered include:
– Positioning of forks during the trip.
– How to drive on a slope
– Proper stop
– Own parking
– Steps to pick up a load
– Steps to deposit a load
– Proper stacking procedures
– And following the proper “traffic rules”
For all Forklift Training requirements, you should refer to the OSHA Regulation on Powered Industrial Trucks – 1910.178