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Driving a forklift

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Forklift Operation Safety Checklist ===================================

Date: 2025-08-05

Inspector: \[INSPECTOR NAME]

Location/Area: \[LOCATION/AREA]

Department: \[DEPARTMENT]

Purpose


This checklist is to ensure the safe operation of forklifts, covering pre-operation inspection, load handling, and pedestrian safety. It should be used before each shift and during operations to maintain a safe working environment.

Instructions for Use


  1. Review this checklist before each shift.
  2. Complete each item on the checklist.
  3. Record any failed items and corrective actions taken.
  4. Submit the completed checklist to the supervisor.

Frequency


This checklist should be completed: Before each shift

Safety Checklist


Pre-Operation Inspection

ItemPassFailComments
Check for leaks, worn hoses, loose belts, broken structures, and loose or missing bolts. [2] Check: No visible leaks, hoses are intact, belts are tight, structures are sound, and all bolts are present and tightened. If failed: Repair or replace any worn, damaged, or leaking parts prior to operation of the machine._________________
Inspect coolant level. [2] Check: Coolant level is within the recommended range. If failed: Add coolant if the level is low. Only inspect the coolant level when the engine and coolant are cool._________________
Ensure all guards and screens are secure. [2] Check: All guards and screens are properly in place and securely fastened. If failed: Secure any loose guards or screens. Replace any missing guards or screens before operating._________________
Check the operator's daily checklist. [4] Check: Checklist is completed and any issues are noted. If failed: Address any issues noted on the checklist before operating the forklift._________________
Inspect the path of travel. [3] Check: The path is clear of obstructions, holes, and drop-offs. If failed: Clear any obstructions or mark and avoid any hazards that cannot be cleared._________________

During Operation

ItemPassFailComments
Wear a seat belt. [2] Check: Operator is wearing a seat belt at all times while operating the forklift. If failed: Instruct the operator to wear the seat belt. Do not operate the forklift without a seat belt._________________
Remain inside the cab enclosure. [2] Check: Operator remains completely inside the cab enclosure. If failed: Instruct the operator to remain inside the cab. Stop operation if the operator does not comply._________________
Operate at a safe speed. [1] Check: Speed is appropriate for the conditions and load. If failed: Adjust speed to ensure safe operation. Provide additional training if necessary._________________
Check for adequate overhead clearance before raising the load. [1] Check: Adequate clearance is confirmed before lifting. If failed: Ensure adequate clearance before raising the load. Lower the load if necessary._________________
Operate smoothly. [1] Check: Stopping, starting, lifting, and tilting are performed smoothly. If failed: Provide additional training on smooth operation techniques._________________
Maintain awareness of blind spots. [1] Check: Operator demonstrates awareness of blind spots with and without a load. If failed: Review blind spot awareness with the operator._________________
Use warning devices. [1] Check: Corner mirrors, back-up alarms, buzzers, and warning lights are used to prevent collisions. If failed: Ensure all warning devices are functional. Repair or replace if necessary._________________
Communicate with nearby workers. [1] Check: Operator communicates their intentions to nearby workers. If failed: Emphasize the importance of communication in safety briefings._________________
Keep pedestrians away. [1] Check: Pedestrians are kept clear of the forklift's operation area. If failed: Establish and enforce pedestrian-free zones. Use barriers or spotters as needed._________________
Yield to pedestrians. [1] Check: Operator yields the right-of-way to pedestrians. If failed: Reinforce pedestrian right-of-way rules during safety training._________________
Stop for crossing pedestrians. [1] Check: Forklift stops when anyone crosses the travel route. If failed: Immediately stop operation and retrain the operator._________________
Travel on inclines/ramps properly. [1] Check: Proper procedures are followed when traveling on inclines or ramps. If failed: Review and reinforce proper incline/ramp procedures._________________
Do not block fire exits or equipment. [1] Check: Fire exits, stairways, and fire equipment are not blocked. If failed: Immediately clear any blocked exits or equipment._________________
Keep hands and limbs inside the forklift. [1] Check: Hands, arms, head, feet, and legs remain inside the confines of the forklift. If failed: Immediately stop operation and retrain the operator._________________
Maintain posture in the direction of travel. [1] Check: Operator maintains posture in the direction of travel. If failed: Remind the operator to maintain proper posture._________________
Go over railroad tracks at an angle. [1] Check: Railroad tracks are crossed at an angle where possible. If failed: Instruct the operator to cross tracks at an angle._________________
Ensure no one is under the elevated portion. [1] Check: No one is standing or passing under the elevated portion of the forklift. If failed: Immediately lower the forks and clear the area._________________
Report incidents immediately. [1] Check: Any collisions, damage, or near-miss incidents are reported immediately. If failed: Reinforce the importance of incident reporting._________________
Inspect the path of travel. [3] Check: The path is clear of obstructions, holes, and drop-offs. If failed: Clear any obstructions or mark and avoid any hazards that cannot be cleared._________________
Travel on slopes/grades properly. [3] Check: Ascend and descend slowly and with caution. When loaded, travel with the load uphill. When unloaded, travel with the attachment downhill. Avoid turning, travel straight up and down. If failed: Review and reinforce proper incline/ramp procedures._________________
Position wheels before switching steering mode. [3] Check: All wheels are positioned in line with the machine before switching the steering mode. If failed: Instruct the operator to align the wheels before switching steering modes._________________
Position and set brake before lifting. [3] Check: The machine is positioned and the park brake is set before lifting a load. If failed: Ensure the operator positions the machine and sets the brake before lifting._________________
No riders allowed. [3] Check: No riders are on the machine or forks. If failed: Enforce a strict no-rider policy._________________
Do not lift personnel. [3] Check: The forklift is not used to transport or lift personnel. If failed: Clearly communicate that lifting personnel with the forklift is prohibited._________________

Post-Operation

ItemPassFailComments
Lower attachment to the ground. [2] Check: The attachment is lowered to the ground. If failed: Ensure the attachment is fully lowered._________________
Place directional controls in neutral. [3] Check: Directional controls are in neutral. If failed: Place directional controls in neutral._________________
Apply the parking brake. [3] Check: Parking brake is applied. If failed: Apply the parking brake._________________

General Requirements


ItemPassFailComments
Wear appropriate PPE. [1] Check: Operator wears fully laced safety boots and leather gloves. If failed: Ensure the operator is wearing the required PPE before operating the forklift._________________
Maintain three-point contact. [2] Check: Three-point contact is maintained when getting on and off the machine. If failed: Retrain the operator on proper entry and exit procedures._________________
Refuel safely. [2] Check: Engine is off, refueling is done outdoors, and spills are cleaned up. If failed: Enforce proper refueling procedures._________________
Maintain a clean machine. [2] Check: The machine and access system are clean and free of dirt, oil, grease, or debris. If failed: Clean the machine regularly._________________

Failed Item Procedures


  1. If any item fails the inspection, the forklift should be taken out of service immediately.
  2. The issue should be reported to the supervisor and a qualified maintenance technician.
  3. Repairs must be completed before the forklift is returned to service.

Documentation Requirements


Completed checklists should be kept on file for review during safety audits.

Checklist Completion


Overall Status: ☐ Pass     ☐ Fail     ☐ Corrective Actions Required

Inspector Signature: Date:

Supervisor Review: Date:

Corrective Actions Completed By: Date:

References and Standards


  • CSA B335-15 (R2020\) "Safety standard for lift trucks" [4]

This checklist must be retained for \[RETENTION PERIOD].

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4 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Forklift Trucks - Maintenance

Page 2

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Forklift Trucks - Maintenance (cont.) ## What safety procedures should you follow when servicing a forklift truck? (cont.) - Handle batteries with care. - Avoid contact with battery terminals with hoisting chains, tools and metal objects. - Cover the battery top with insulating material. - Attach a chain hoist to the counterweight before removing it from a forklift. - Find out why a forklift is in for repairs before starting or driving it. - Check the operator's daily checklist before making repairs. ## What should you not do when servicing a forklift truck? - Do not leave parts, creepers, cans, tools, or other obstacles around. - Do not lift beyond your capacity. Use hoist or leverage tools to lift or move heavy parts or equipment. - Do not smoke, weld, or light a match around refuelling and battery-charging areas. - Do not start a forklift if it is on a lift hoist or wheel stands. - Do not work on forklift attachments unless you are familiar with their operation. - Do not work beneath elevated forklift trucks or forks unless they are securely supported by approved blocks. - Do not run LPG, gas or diesel forklifts in unventilated areas. Support with Blocks How often should maintenance inspections be conducted, and what should be examined on a forklift truck? Three types of service report inspections are recommended by CSA's B335-15 (R2020) "Safety standard for lift trucks". All inspections should be done by a trained, qualified maintenance technician. Forklift Trucks - Maintenance CCOHS

[2] TEREX TH636C / TH644C / TH842C / TH844C (manufactured from 12/18/2003 to 2/25/2004) - Operator's Manual (PN 236502)

Page 13

Open source document

Source excerpt

# ! ROUGH TERRAIN FORK LIFT SAFETY ! # OPERATION SAFETY 1. Always inspect the machine daily. Check for leaks, worn hoses, loose belts, broken structures, and loose or missing bolts. Repair or replace any worn, damaged or leaking parts prior to operation of the machine. 2. Only inspect the coolant level when the engine and coolant are cool. 3. Be sure that all guards and screens are secure and in the proper place. 4. Inspect for and clear the work area of any obstructions that could interfere with proper machine operation. Any obstructions that cannot be cleared should be clearly marked and avoided during operation. 5. Refueling: i. Always stop the engine before refueling the machine. ii. Fill the fuel tank outdoors. iii. Handle fuel with care, as it is highly flammable. Do not refuel the machine while smoking or near open flames. iv. Always clean up spilled fuel. 6. Make sure the machine and access system is clean and free of dirt, oil, grease or debris. 7. When getting on and off the machine, face the machine, use the steps and handrails provided, and always maintain a three point contact. 8. Always remain completely inside the cab enclosure while operating the machine. 9. Always wear the seat belt while operating the machine. 10. Always completely lower the boom with the forks resting on the ground before any work is performed on or around the machine. 11. Do not operate the machine while people are under or near an elevated boom whether the boom is loaded or unloaded. Falling objects from the forks or attachment may cause serious injury or death. 1-9

[3] Forklift Trucks - Professional Operator

Page 2

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Forklift Trucks - Professional Operator (cont.) ## What should an operator do when operating the forklift truck? (cont.) - Check for adequate overhead clearance before raising the load. - Operate a forklift smoothly when stopping, starting, lifting and tilting. - Know the blind spots of the lift truck with and without a load. - Use corner mirrors, back-up alarms, buzzers and warning lights to help prevent collisions. - Communicate with workers who are nearby so they understand where you plan to travel. - Keep pedestrians away from a forklift in operation. Operate with extreme caution when near pedestrians and yield the right of way to pedestrians. - Stop when anyone crosses the route being travelled. Lower the load to the floor, and wait until it is clear. - Operate at a safe speed, taking into consideration all conditions. - If loading another vehicle (e.g., transport truck), verify that the load wheels on the other vehicle are chocked before driving into the space. - Use proper procedures when travelling on inclines or ramps. See Forklift Trucks - Maintaining Truck Control. - Ensure that the fire exits, stairways and fire equipment are not blocked by the truck or the load. - Wear leather gloves when moving or shifting loads or when checking skids. - Wear fully laced safety boots to provide impact protection when moving loads or skids and to provide ankle support when mounting and dismounting the lift truck. - Remain alert and prepare for the unexpected. - Note anything that affects the normal operation of the forklift and tell the supervisor immediately. - Keep hands, arms, head, feet and legs inside the confines of a moving forklift. - Stay in the truck in case of overturn. - Maintain posture in the direction of travel. - Go over railroad tracks at an angle, where possible. - Make sure no one is standing or passing under the elevated portion of the forklift truck. - Report any collisions, damage or near-miss incidents to a s

[4] TEREX TH636C / TH644C / TH842C / TH844C (manufactured before 4/28/2003) - Operator's Manual (PN 236500)

Page 15

Open source document

Source excerpt

# OPERATION SAFETY (cont.) ! # ROUGH TERRAIN FORK LIFT SAFETY ! # OPERATION SAFETY 17. Inspect the path of travel before beginning movement. Avoid holes and dropoffs. 18. Traveling on slopes/grades. i. Ascend and descend slowly and with caution. ii. When loaded, always travel with the load uphill. iii. When unloaded, travel with the attachment downhill. iv. Avoid turning, travel straight up and down. 19. Always position all wheels in line with the machine before switching the steering mode. 20. Always position the machine and set the park brake before lifting a load. 21. Do not allow riders on the machine or forks. 22. Do not transport or lift personnel into position with this forklift. 23. When leaving the operators station: i. Place the directional controls in neutral. ii. Apply the parking brake. iii. Lower the attachment to the ground. 1-11

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