Introduction
A forklift is a powerful tool that allows one person to precisely lift and place large heavy loads with little effort. Using a tool such as a forklift, cart or hand truck instead of lifting and carrying items by hand can reduce the risk that you will suffer a back injury.
Every year nearly 100 workers are killed and 20,000 are seriously injured in forklift mishaps. This course contains general information about:
- the kinds of forklifts commonly available
- the principles of physics that allow a forklift to lift and move heavy loads safely
- forklift operator training requirements
- some basic operator safety rules
- hazardous locations where carbon monoxide is a problem or a special forklift is needed
- safety while servicing a forklift
This course is not designed to be a substitute for operator training in the operation of specific forklifts in a specific workplace as required by OSHA regulations.
Course Objectives
ID | Objective |
---|---|
TO 1.0 | Achieve a minimum score of 70% on the final course assessment. |
LO 1.1.1 | Identify common types of forklift injuries. |
LO 1.1.2 | List and describe forklift safety features. |
LO 1.1.3 | Describe and give examples of the four basic principles of lifting forklift loads. |
LO 1.1.4 | Describe the criteria for and give an example of a "safe lift" using a forklift. |
LO 1.1.5 | Describe the circumstances and give an example of how a lift may become unstable when using a forklift. |
LO 1.1.6 | Describe the requirements and best practices for ascending and descending an incline using a forklift. |
LO 1.1.7 | Identify and describe the use of the different types of forklift power sources. |
LO 1.1.8 | Identify and describe the special forklift attachments used to affect the capacity and safe use of a forklift. |
LO 1.2.1 | Identify and give examples of hazardous workplace conditions and factors to consider when operating a forklift. |
LO 1.2.2 | Describe the items and question to ask during a forklift pre-use inspection. |
LO 1.2.3 | Discuss precautions and best practices while traveling in a forklift. |
LO 1.2.4 | Describe the procedures for safely loading, unloading, and leaving a forklift unattended. |
LO 1.2.5 | Describe the requirements and restrictions when lifting or lowering people with a forklift. |
LO 1.2.6 | Describe the requirements and best practices for establishing and using forklift traffic patterns. |