Warehouses are a
constant moving mix of people, vehicles and equipment. Forklift operators must be properly trained to ensure understanding of the working environment. This prevents injuries to operators and pedestrians and damage to other warehouse equipment (storage racks, stored materials, etc.). Forklift Operations
Only trained and certified workers may operate a forklift. (See 29 CFR 1910.178). No one under the age of 18 may use a forklift.
Operators must be trained on the type of vehicle in use, and on workplace conditions.
Before operating the vehicle, examine it for hazardous conditions which would make it unsafe to operate.
Always wear a seatbelt, if available.
Never exceed the rated load and ensure it is stable and balanced.
Ensure you have enough clearance when raising, loading, and operating the vehicle.
Follow safe procedures for picking up, putting down and stacking loads.
Keep a safe distance from platform, ramp, and loading dock edges. Never back up a forklift to the dock’s edge.
Watch for pedestrians and observe the speed limit.
Slow down in congested areas and those with slippery surfaces.
Use horns at cross aisles and obstructed areas.
Do not give rides or use the forks to lift people.
If required to park a vehicle on an uneven surface, set the emergency brake.
Forklift Maintenance and Repair
Ensure vehicles are maintained and repaired in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations.
Remove from service any forklift found to be in unsafe operating condition.
Do not modify or make additions to the forklift that could affect capacity and/or safe operation without prior written approval from the manufacturer.
Charging Stations
Properly position forklifts and apply brakes before attempting to change or charge batteries.
Ensure that fire extinguishers are available and fully charged.
Provide proper personal protective equipment such as rubber gloves and eye and face protection.
Provide conveyors, overhead hoists or equivalent materials handling
equipment for servicing batteries.
Provide an eyewash and safety shower facility for workers exposed to battery acids.
Provide adequate ventilation to disperse fumes from gassing batteries.
Prohibit smoking and open flames in and around charging stations.
Other Considerations
Maintain safe clearances for aisles and at loading
docks or passages.
Provide visual warnings near dock edges.
Follow required procedures when refueling gas or propane fueled forklifts.
Train workers on the hazards
associated with the combustion byproducts of forklift operation, such as carbon monoxide.
Below are some resources to assist with powered industrial truck safety.
Preventing Backovers. OSHA Safety and Health topic page dedicated to preventing injuries to pedestrians working in the same areas as motorized equipment where hazards such as being struck by a vehicle operating in reverse (backover) can occur.
Standup Forklift Under-ride Hazards. A Safety and Health Information Bulletin addressing crushing hazards associated with operating forklifts near storage racks or other obstructions in warehouses.
Diesel Exhaust. Vehicle exhaust from engines running in a warehouse is a serious hazard that affects indoor air quality. This OSHA Safety and Health topic page dedicated to preventing the hazards of exposure to diesel exhaust.
OSHA Fact Sheet: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. This hazard is created by the incomplete burning of fuel gases
such as propane, which may be used to power powered industrial trucks.
