Leaving a Forklift Unattended
A forklift is considered to be unattended when it is not in view of the operator or if it is in view, the operator is 25 feet or more away.
If you leave a forklift unattended:
- Lower the forks to the ground.
- Set the controls to neutral.
- Turn off the power.
- Set the brakes.
- If the forklift is on an incline, block the wheels.
- If you dismount a forklift and stay within 25 feet, you must at least lower the forks to the ground, set the controls to neutral, and set the brakes.
Lifting and Lowering People
Lifting or lowering a person on forks or a pallet can result in a fall injury or fingers caught in moving parts of the mast.
No worker should be allowed to be lifted while standing on the forks or on a pallet lifted by the forks. The image to the right is a good example of what should never be done. These workers in the photo are lucky they did not get hurt or killed.
If you want to use a forklift to raise an employee to an elevated position, use a platform or structure specifically built for this purpose that meets the conditions described below.
- The platform must have standard guardrails which include a top rail 36" to 42" above the platform (39" to 45" on a construction site), midrail and toeboard. It must also prevent contact with chains and shear points on the mast.
- The platform must be securely attached to the forks such as by a clamp or chain.
- Check with the forklift manufacturer to verify that the hydraulic system will not allow the lift mechanism to drop faster than 135 feet per minute in the event of a system failure. Identify the forklift as approved for use with the platform.
- Lock or secure the tilt control to prevent the boom from tilting.
- A forklift operator must be at the normal operating position when lifting and lowering the platform. The operator must be near the forklift while a worker is elevated.
- Except to inch forward/backward or maneuver at low speeds, do not move the forklift between two points when a worker is on the platform.
Order picker forklifts are designed to allow the operator to be lifted along with the controls to an elevated location. However, if the operator station does not have standard guardrails on all open sides, then the operator must wear a full body harness with lanyard attached to a manufacturer approved anchor.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
5-3. If you want to use a forklift to raise an employee to an elevated position, you must _____.
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