Traveling in the Forklift

When you are using a forklift to travel some distance, whether in your work area or in your community, you may encounter new working conditions and distractions. Be aware of your impact on the vehicle:

• Never grab the steering wheel when you climb into or onto the vehicle. If the wheel moves, it can cause you to lose your balance.
• Make sure your shoes and hands are free of grease. Having greasy shoes or hands can cause you to slip or lose your grip.

An unattended vehicle is when the operator is 25 feet or more away from the vehicle even if it remains in view, or whenever the operator leaves the vehicle and it is not in his or her view. If you must leave your vehicle unattended, it is essential that you take the following precautions:

• When a powered industrial truck is unattended, fully lower the load engaging means, neutralize controls, shut off power, and set brakes. Block the wheels if the truck is parked on an incline.
• Tilt the mast forward slightly and lower the forks to the floor until the fork tips touch the floor.
• If the forklift is disabled and the forks cannot be lowered to the floor, follow proper lockout/tagout procedures. Do not allow anyone to stand or pass under the forks.

When you are traveling through traffic, observe all traffic regulations and never engage in stunt driving and horseplay. Follow these additional, common-sense guidelines for safety:

• Never carry passengers.
• Maintain a safe distance, approximately three lengths (of your PIT) from the truck ahead and keep the PIT under control at all times.
• Cross railroad tracks diagonally wherever possible. Do not park closer than 8 feet from the center of railroad tracks.
• Operate at a speed that will permit the forklift to be brought to a stop in a safe manner under all travel conditions.
• Properly secure the bridge plate before driving over it. Drive over it carefully and slowly and never exceed its stated capacity.
• Approach elevators slowly and enter the elevator squarely after the elevator car is properly leveled. Once you are in the elevator, neutralize the controls, shut off the power, and set the brakes.
• Keep arms or legs inside the confines of your vehicle.
• Watch for surface obstructions; even a small bump can cause a load to fall off elevated forks.

Regardless of where you operate the forklift, remember the following:

• Never drive up to anyone who is in front of a bench or any other fixed object.
• Do not travel into a position that, if the forklift jumped forward, the brakes failed, or the wrong lever was pushed, a coworker could be pinned between the forklift and another object.

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