Forklift Student Manual
A professional forklift operator is knowledgeable about safe operating procedures and company policy.
A well-trained forklift operator is familiar with the design of the forklift he is operating. The vehicle manufacturer’s Operation and Maintenance Manual is very important in becoming familiar with the machine. To know how to inspect, operate, and fuel the vehicle correctly, operators must read and understand the manual. It is required that the Operation and Maintenance Manual be kept on the machine at all times.
Forklift Terminology
What is a professional forklift operator?
• Is responsible.
• Is on time.
• Is rested, alert, and physically prepared.
• Is knowledgeable about safe operating procedures and company policy.
• Never stops learning about his profession.
• Is a skilled operator and never stops trying to improve upon those skills.
• Keeps the machine under control at all times.
• Wears protective clothing where applicable.
Why Forklift Operator Safety Training?
1. Training can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries to you and those you work with.
2. Training can also reduce operating cost of your company by avoiding damage to property and product.
3. The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act, OSHA, requires all lift truck operators to be trained and authorized to operate a lift truck
Forklifts vs. Automobiles
• Forklifts are not to be used for transporting people. Only the operator is to be aboard the vehicle when in motion.
• A typical forklift will weigh in excess of 5,000 pounds where a most automobiles weigh much less than this.
• Like automobiles, forklift operators must be properly trained and have passed a proficiency examination prior to operating the machine.
• Different types of forklifts are designed to operate on various types of surfaces. Most automobiles are designed to operate on relatively smooth surfaces.
• Forklifts typically do not have as efficient braking as an automobile.
• Forklifts use multiple kinds of steering.
