Prince Albert Forklift Training Course - Federal and industry regulators have established the criteria for forklift safety training according to their existing regulations and standards. Those wishing to utilize a forklift must complete a forklift training program prior to working with one of these machines. The accredited Forklift Operator Training Program is meant to offer trainees with the practical skills and information to become an operator of a forklift.
There are forklift operation safety regulations which must be followed pertaining to pre-shift checks, and regulations for loading and lifting.
Prior to a shift beginning, an inspection checklist has to be carried out and given to the Instructor or Supervisor. If whatever maintenance issue is discovered, the machinery must not be utilized until the problem is dealt with. To be able to indicate the machine is out of service, the keys must be removed from the ignition and a warning tag placed in a visible location.
Loading safety regulations include checking the rating capacity on the forklift nameplate and knowing if the weight of the load falls within capacity. The forklift forks should be in the down position when the forklift is starting up. Don't forget that there is a loss of about 100 pounds carrying capacity for every inch further away from the carriage which the load is carried.
To safely lift a palletized load, drive the forklift toward the pallet and stop with the fork three inches away from the load. Level the mast until it is at right angles to the load. Lift the forks to one inch below the slot on the pallet and drive forward. Afterward lift forks four inches. Tilt back the load to secure it for moving. Drive the lift in reverse if the load obscures frontal vision. Check behind and honk in order to alert other personnel. Never allow forks to drag on the ground.
Forklift loads must be loaded in such a way that they are secure and do not create a hazard to other people or objects. Restraining loads is needed for materials which might shift during transport and destabilize the forklift.
To avoid the shifting of drums, drums could be strapped together to decrease movement. Operators of forklifts should drive slowly when transporting liquids, to decrease instability in the forklift.