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Forklifts

Safety regulations concerning the use of forklifts are as follows:

A. The rated lifting capacity of the forklift must be posted in a location readily visible to the operator. 3660(a)

B. Elevating employees requires the following:

1. The forklift must be equipped with a platform not less than 24” x 24” in size.
   
   1. The platform must be properly secured to the forks or the mast.
      
   2. The platform must be equipped with guardrails, toe boards, and a back guard.
      
   3. It must have no spaces or holes larger than 1 in.
      
   4. It must have a slip-resistant platform surface. 3657(a)(2)
      
2. The operator must be at the controls while the employees are elevated. 3657(d)
   
3. The operator must be instructed in the operating rules for elevating employees. 3657(i)
   
4. Employees shall not sit, climb, or stand on platform guardrails or use planks, ladders, or other devices to gain elevation. 3657(h)

   Note: When guardrails are not possible, fall protection is required. 3657(b)

C. All forklifts must have parking brakes. 3661(b)

D. All forklifts must have an operable horn. 3661(c)

E. When the operator is exposed to the possibility of falling objects, the forklift must be equipped with overhead protection (canopy). 3657(c)

F. The employer must post and enforce a set of operating rules that include the following: 3650(s)

1. Only trained and authorized drivers may operate forklifts.
   
2. Stunt driving and horseplay are prohibited.
   
3. Employees must not ride on the forks.
   
4. Employees must never be permitted under the forks (unless forks are blocked).
   
5. The driver must inspect the vehicle once during a shift.
   
6. The operator must look in the direction of travel and must not move the vehicle until all persons are clear of the vehicle.
   
7. Forks must be carried as low as possible.
   
8. The operator must lower the forks, shut off the engine, and set the brakes (or block the wheels) before leaving the forklift unattended (that is, when the operator is out of sight of the vehicle or 25 ft. away from it).
   
9. Trucks must be blocked and brakes must be set before a forklift is driven onto the Truck bed.
   
10. Extreme care must be taken when tilting elevated loads.
    
11. The forklift must have operable brakes capable of stopping it safely when it is fully loaded.
    

G. An employee must be properly trained (as certified by the employer) before operating a forklift. 3668(a)

1. An evaluation of the operator’s performance must be conducted at least once every three years. 3668(d)
   
2. Refresher training in relevant topics must be provided to the operator when: 3668(d)(1)
   
   1. The operator is observed operating the vehicle in an unsafe manner.
      
   2. The operator has been involved in an accident or near-miss incident.
      
   3. The operator’s evaluation reveals that he or she is not operating the truck safely.
      
   4. The operator is assigned to drive a different type of truck.
      
   5. Changes in workplace conditions could affect safe operation of the truck.