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725 Forklift Safety Program Management
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Tables for Selecting Forklifts

To select the right forklift for each hazard class and division location, open the tables below.

  • Look in the first column of the table for the hazard class of the material.
  • Find the row that has the chemical or substance handled.
  • Choose the second or third column based on the division that represents the exposure condition.
Hazard Classification Acceptable Forklift Designations
Class I: Flammable gases or vapors are or may be present in quantities sufficient for explosion or ignition. Division I: Condition exists continuously, intermittently, or periodically under normal operating conditions. Division II: Condition may occur accidentally (e.g., puncture of a storage drum)
  • Acetylene
  • Acetaldehyde
  • Butadiene
  • Cyclopropane
  • Diethyl ether
  • Ethylene
  • Ethylene oxide
  • Isoprene
  • Propylene oxide
  • Hydrogen (or gases or vapors equivalent in hazard to hydrogen, such as manufactured gas)
  • Unsymmetrical dimenthyl hydrazine (UDMH)
Forklift use prohibited. DY, EE, EX (also DS, ES, GS, LPS) if the only exposure is sealed containers or liquefied or compressed gases in containers.
  • Acetone
  • Acrylonitrile
  • Alcohol
  • Ammonia
  • Benzine
  • Bensol
  • Butane
  • Ethylene dichloride
  • Gasoline
  • Hexane
  • Lacquer Solvent
  • Natural gas
  • Naphtha
  • Propane
  • Propylene
  • Styrene
  • Xylenes
  • Vinyl acetate
  • Vinyl chloride
EX DY, EE, EX (also DS, ES, GS, LPS) if the only exposure is sealed containers or liquefied or compressed gases in containers.
Hazard Classification Acceptable Forklift Designations
Class II: Combustible dust is present. Division I: Explosive or conductive mixture may be present under normal conditions or where equipment failure can lead to both this condition and arching or sparking. Division II: Explosive mixture not normally present but where deposits of dust may cause heat rise in electrical equipment.
  • Aluminum, magnesium, and their commercial alloys
  • Other metals of similarly hazardous characteristics
Forklift use prohibited. Forklift with electrical enclosures manufacturer approved where magnesium, aluminum or aluminum bronze may be present
  • Carbon black
  • Coal or coke dust
EX Forklift manufacturer approved for this location.
Other combustible dusts EX DY, EE, EX
Hazard Classification Acceptable Forklift Designations
Class III: Easily ignitable fibers or flyings are present but not likely to be in suspension in quantities sufficient to ignite. Division I: Locations in which these materials are handled, manufactured or used Division II: Locations in which these materials are stored or handled (other than manufacture).
  • Baled waste
  • Cocoa fiber
  • Cotton
  • Excelsior
  • Hemp
  • Istle
  • Jute
  • Kapok
  • Oakum
  • Sisal
  • Spanish moss
  • Synthetic fibers
  • Tow
DY, EE, EX DS, DY, ES, EE, GS, LPS (Type E may continue to be used if used previously at this location.)
Unclassified Locations: Piers and wharves inside and outside general storage, general industrial or commercial properties D, E, G, LP (more protective designations may also be used)
Hazard Classification Acceptable Forklift Designations
Unclassified Locations: Piers and wharves inside and outside general storage, general industrial or commercial properties D, E, G, LP (more protective designations may also be used)