A forklift is designed to pick up and move materials.  The basic lift truck has forks on the front to engage the load.  The lift mechanism lifts the load so that it can be moved and stacked.  Driving a lift truck is not the same as driving an automobile.  Some lift truck operations are similar to driving a car, but a lift truck is a special machine designed to do a special job.  The forklift operator must be trained and authorized to operate the lift truck.  Here are some tips for safe operation of forklifts.

A lift truck is built for only one person—the operator.  Do not travel with people on the forks.

Handle loads within the rated capacity as shown on the nameplate.  The capacity represents the maximum load the lift truck is rated to handle.  The operator must determine if the load is within the capacity of the lift truck before the load is handled.
Inspect the lift truck before use and at the beginning of each shift.

Do not lift or hit anything that can fall on the operator or a bystander.

Never allow anyone under or on the forks.

Never put hands, arms, head or legs through the upright or near the carriage or lift chains. 

Keep all body parts inside the operator’s compartment when lift truck is moving.

Lift and lower with the upright vertical or tilted slightly backward from vertical

Do not tilt in either direction anymore than necessary when handling elevated loads.

Always travel with the load as low as possible and tilted back.
For better visibility with large loads, travel with the load trailing, but always look in the direction of travel.

Avoid bumps, holes, slick spots and loose materials that may cause the truck to swerve or tip.

Watch for clearances.

Stunt driving and horseplay is prohibited.

Excessive speed is prohibited.

Be alert for pedestrians.  Do not drive up to anyone standing in front of an object.

Stay away from the edge of the road.

Cross railroad tracks diagonally.

Sound horn when view is obstructed.

Do not operate a damaged or defective forklift.  Report damage, install a “Do Not Operate” tag and remove the key from the vehicle. All parts shall be replaced by an equivalent part. Truck shall not be altered by addition or deletion of parts.