In-Service Hoisting License for Forklift Operators

If you are driving and the forklift is moving, the forks should be kept just high enough to clear any obstructions on the floor. This is usually approximately 3-5 inches.

You should refuel your forktruck in an area which has good ventilation or is ideally in outside with no close ignition sources.

Employees are not required to take the training, pass this quiz and a hands-on practical evaluation test in order to drive a forklift here at CHT. We let anyone drive them as long as they are nice.

If the moon is full and the sky is clear it would be acceptable to walk under the loaded forks of a forklift as long as the load is at least 6 feet high or more.

Raising a load while quickly turning or moving is the most safe way of operating the forklift. Forklift stability is unaffected by the height of the load.

If you secure the forklift you can leave it running as long as you are within _______  feet of the lift.

When you park a forklift, you should park it directly in front of an isleway or emergency exit.

It is o.k. to pass other forklifts when both are moving in the same direction as long as you beep the horn.

If the load you are carrying is large and blocking your view when driving then you must drive in reverse with the load trailing you.

When going up or down a ramp the load should almost always be facing the upgrade or higher level side.

Since forklift trucks are very easily steered, you do not need to slow down for wet or icy surface conditions when travelling

The forklift load rating chart on the forklift will tell you the maximum load weight that you may pick up. The chart shows a load that is 24″ load center. If the load is larger and further out on the forks then the forklift will pickup less weight than the load chart shows.  You must always be aware of this as a driver.

Forks must be placed under the load as far as possible. It is ideal that the pallet or load is up against the start of the forks at the 90 degree angle where the guard starts.

If you leave a forklift unattended you must lower the forks to the ground pointing downward, put the lift in neutral, set the parking brake and then turn off the power. The key should be removed to prevent unauthorized use.

If you must park on an incline or ramp then you must use wheel blocks or chocks to ensure no movement if parking brakes fail for some reason.

A pre-start written inspection checklist kept on the forklift must be completed before every 4 working days by the 3rd shift.

Forklift drivers should always attempt to “draft” another forklift so that they cut down on wind resistance, like race car drivers. The closer you are to another forklift the better.

Our forklift drivers must be either State licensed on forklift hoisting equipment or In-house trained using our forklift training system. However we can let any customers or contractors or even people off the street drive our forklifts in the shop if they are nice and say please.

When travelling with a load it should be tilted backward to use the backrest to add stability and to avoid tipping over forward if there are sudden stops.

When the load is larger or taller and obstructs your view and driving in reverse is not an option then using a coworker as a spotter is acceptable to place a load or maneuver in tight areas.

Use the horn on a forklift ONLY when going around blind corners, intersections, and other potentially dangerous areas to alert pedestrians to your approach. Never overuse the horn or use it to startle other workers who are not paying attention.

It is acceptable for a driver to keep feet dangling outside the forklift, put the hands on the safety cage masts, and drive without a forklift as long as they are licensed and experienced drivers.

When travelling with a load on a flat surface it is preferred that the forks are about 33 inches high at all times. Travelling with a load raised shows off your good driving skills.

When the forklift is picking up a very heavy load it is o.k. to have someone sit on the back of the lift to use them as extra ballast weight. You can also give a friend a ride on the forks or lift them up to a rack shelf as long as they are sober.

A forklift trained person MUST have hands-on practical evaluation driving test for EACH TYPE of forklift they will be driving. Since there are about 4 different types of lifts here at CHT now, the licensed person would need to be practical evaluated every 3 years for EACH TYPE FORKLIFT they are qualified on.  If you are evaluated on the standup forklift this does not mean you are qualified for the regular sit down lifts and vice-versa.