Knowing Your Load Capacity

Do not assume that you can tell a forklift's capacity just by looking at the vehicle. Modifications and attachments can dramatically alter load capacity. Exceeding load capacity for a vehicle is a major cause of forklift tip-over and injury. Never exceed a forklift's maximum load capacity and lift height.

Operators must know how to read the information on the forklift nameplate, which provides the following important information:

• Truck model and serial number
• Truck weight
• Capacity

You should not operate a forklift or other PIT if the nameplate is illegible or missing. Every forklift or PIT is required to have an up-to-date nameplate (also referred to as a data label).

Forklifts may have other warning labels or decals that provide safety information to operators. Safety labels should be clearly visible to the operator and must be replaced if missing, damaged, or illegible.

To learn more about Forklift Safety visit our Forklift Safety Online Training web page.