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How to Safely Lift and Lower Forklift Loads

This 2 minute safety training video covers: Forklifts special handling requirements, proper procedure to keep the machine balanced, how to properly check its lifting capacity, safe procedure to follow when working with pallets, how to keep the forklift from tipping forward, how to keep the forks level and how to find the load’s center of gravity. This clip was taken from a full-length training video. Click here to watch the 28 minute full length version.

The Full-Length Version is Available on DVD!

Forklifts and other powered industrial trucks are indispensable in many companies. They are rugged powerful tools that save time, money and effort. But the same qualities that make them so helpful can also make them dangerous. Using powered industrial trucks results in over 100 fatalities and over 35,000 serious injuries each year. When used incorrectly, or if forklifts and other trucks are not properly maintained, they can do significant damage.

Atlantic Training’s "Forklift Training" Video & DVD Programs review how to inspect forklifts and other powered industrial truck equipment prior to operation, safe operating procedures, forklift stability, and how to recognize potential problem situations.

The program includes information on:

Video Transcript

Picking up a load correctly is a science that combines good judgement of load and conditions with a laws of physics. Before you lift any load make sure it is safe to lift and that no one is nearby. Now, square up on the center of the load and approach it straight on.When fork tips are about a foot from the load, stop. Level the forks and drive forward slowly until the load rest against the mast. Now, lift the load high enough to clear whatever is under it until the mast back slightly to a travelling position. This tilt places the loads center of gravity over your drive wheels. If there’s another load in front of the one your lifting, lift without tilting. Remember to lift only enough to clear the other load. Now, look over to both of your shoulder to make sure its clear. Back out about a foot, stop, lower the load and tilt the mast back to the travelling position. When you reach the seat down point, square up and stop about a foot away. Drive forward until you’re about half way into the loading area. Stop, level the forks and drive the rest of the way in. Lower the load. Be sure the load is seated then lower the fork slightly to keep from hooking the load on pull out. Look over both shoulders to be sure its clear and back out slowly. Don’t forget to watch for rear swing as you turn.