Forklifts have revolutionized the way businesses handle logistics, inventory management, warehousing, and many other important jobs.
Forklifts have revolutionized the way businesses handle logistics, inventory management, warehousing, and many other important jobs. But for as indispensable as they are, these machines handle very differently from cars or other passenger vehicles. Because they’re used to carry heavy loads around other people, it’s critical for forklift operators to have the proper training and certification necessary to do their jobs safely.
In this course on forklift safety, we’ll explore the different elements involved in the safe operation and handling of industrial counterbalance lift trucks, more commonly known as forklifts. We’ll delve into what makes forklifts handle so differently from other powered vehicles, how to make proper use of the mast and forks, and what safe practices and procedures to keep in mind when you’re driving a forklift around your workplace. You’ll also learn procedures for inspecting and maintaining forklifts, as well as how to refuel or recharge a forklift after use.
Learning Objectives:
- Acknowledge safe practices for operating forklifts
- Know how to avoid decisions that could lead to accidents and injuries
- Understand how the stability and handling of forklifts differ from other vehicles
What You'll Learn
- Identify safe practices for operating industrial counterbalance lift trucks (forklifts)
- Explain what makes forklifts handle differently from cars and other powered vehicles
- Apply safe driving and workplace operating procedures when using a forklift
- Use the mast and forks properly to handle loads
- Perform inspection and maintenance checks on a forklift
- Refuel or recharge a forklift safely after use
Key Takeaways
- Forklifts are used for logistics, inventory management, warehousing, and other jobs, but they handle very differently from cars or other passenger vehicles.
- Because forklifts carry heavy loads around other people, operators need proper training and certification to do their jobs safely.
- The stability and handling of forklifts differ from other vehicles, which affects how they must be driven.
- Safe forklift operation includes proper use of the mast and forks and following safe practices and procedures in the workplace.
- Operators should know how to inspect and maintain forklifts and how to refuel or recharge them after use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this forklift safety course cover?
It covers the safe operation and handling of industrial counterbalance lift trucks (forklifts), including what makes them handle differently from other vehicles, proper use of the mast and forks, safe driving and workplace practices, inspecting and maintaining forklifts, and refueling or recharging them after use.
Who should take this course?
It is intended for forklift operators, who need proper training and certification to safely operate machines that carry heavy loads around other people.
What will I learn to do safely with a forklift?
You will learn safe practices for operating forklifts, how to avoid decisions that could lead to accidents and injuries, and how the stability and handling of forklifts differ from other vehicles.
Does the course address forklift maintenance?
Yes. It includes procedures for inspecting and maintaining forklifts, as well as how to refuel or recharge a forklift after use.
Why do forklifts require special training?
Forklifts handle very differently from cars or other passenger vehicles and are used to carry heavy loads around other people, so operators need proper training and certification to do their jobs safely.
Transcript
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Forklift Safety: Industrial Counterbalance Lift Trucks Moving materials around the workplace quickly and efficiently takes a lot of skill and it's a big responsibility. Often the best tool for the job is a specialized piece of materials handling equipment that OSHA calls powered industrial trucks. These include vehicles such as the tractors that pull luggage carts at airports and the heavy duty boom lifts used on construction sites. But the industrial counterbalance lift truck is the most common type of powered industrial truck. It's what most of us call a forklift. While forklifts make our jobs a lot easier, they can also be very dangerous. Thousands of workers are seriously injured in forklift accidents every year, and more than 100 are killed. And the people who get hurt include both pedestrians and forklift operators. In addition to the human cost, there's also the damage these accidents do to materials, facilities, and the forklifts themselves. You and a forklift can make a productive team, but to do that, you need to understand the machine's limitations, and how to operate it safely.
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