Do not use a forklift to elevate workers who are standing on the forks.

Do not drive up to anyone standing in front of a bench or other fixed object.

When dismounting from a forklift, set the parking brake, lower the forks or lifting carriage, and neutralize the controls.

Do not allow passengers to ride on forklift trucks unless a seat is provided.

Look toward the travel path and keep a clear view of it.

Flashing lights are especially important in areas where the ambient noise level is high. Use horns, audible backup alarms, and flashing lights to warn workers and other forklift operators in the area. Make every effort to alert workers when a forklift is nearby.

Slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles and other locations where vision is obstructed.

Operate the forklift at a speed that will permit it to be stopped safely.

Do not handle loads that are heavier than the weight capacity of the forklift.

Do not raise or lower the forks while the forklift is moving.

On grades, tilt the load back and raise it only as far as needed to clear the road surface.

Keep loads elevated and upslope, not pointed downslope. Normally the operator should travel straight up and down Do not attempt to turn around on grades or ramps.

Operators should avoid turning, if possible, and should use extreme caution on grades, ramps, or inclines.

Exit from a stand-up type forklift with rear-entry access by stepping backward if a lateral tipover occurs.

Stay with the truck, holding on firmly and leaning in the opposite direction of the overturn.

Do not jump from an overturning, sit-down type forklift.Report to your supervisor any damage or problems that occur to a forklift during your shift.If not installed, retrofit old sit-down type forklifts with an operator restraint system if possible. Do not operate a forklift unless you have been trained and licensed.Defects must be corrected prior to returning the forklift into service. When defects are found, employees need to report such conditions to their supervisor immediately. When industrial trucks are used around the clock, they shall be examined after each shift. Such examination shall be made at least daily. Forklift trucks must not be placed in service if the examination shows any condition adversely affecting the safety of the vehicle. OSHA requires that industrial trucks be examined before being placed in service. Federal laws prohibits workers under age 18 from using forklifts and similar equipment in nonagricultural industries.

In addition, all employees operating a forklift truck must be trained and authorized to use the specific class of forklift truck to be used in his/her area. Employees hired after Decemmust have training prior to operating a fork-lift truck. Forklift operators hired before Decemmust receive initial training and evaluation prior to the effective date. Training certification must include the name of the trainee, the trainer, and the dates of training and evaluation. Department supervisors and/or area managers must certify each operator has been trained and evaluated. In addition, refresher training is required if an operator has driven an industrial truck in an unsafe manner, been involved in a near-miss or accident, has received an unsatisfactory evaluation, or if the truck or workplace conditions change. Operator training must be completed every three years. The revised regulations require a combination of classroom training, demonstrations (practical exercises) and a successful evaluation of the operator skills prior to operating a powered truck. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a final rule (effective March 1, 1999) to clarify training requirements to the Powered Industrial Truck regulation (29CFR1910.178). Review the Forklift Safety Program for additional information. This section is provided as guidance for University managers, supervisors and other employees who use forklifts as a part of their workplace operations.

Forklift safety