Scheduled Maintenance - President's Day Weekend
The U.S. Department of Labor will be conducting scheduled system maintenance beginning Friday, Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. ET through Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 8 a.m. ET. Some pages may be temporarily unavailable. To report an emergency, file a complaint with OSHA, or to ask a safety and health question, call 1-800-321-6742 (OSHA).

eTools Home : Powered Industrial Trucks Safety and Health Topic Page | Credits
Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklift) eTool Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklift) eTool Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklift) eTool
Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklift) eTool Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklift) eTool
Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklift) eTool
 The Workplace

   Physical Conditions
   Pedestrian Traffic
   Ramps and Grades
   Loading Docks
   Narrow Aisles
   Elevators
   Enclosed Areas
Understanding the Workplace:
 Elevators
Dangerous loading of a freight elevator.
Figure 1. Dangerous loading of a freight elevator.
Potential Hazards:
  • Overloading. Know the combined weight of the load and the truck.
     
  • Damage to floor.
     
  • Insufficient overhead clearance and space in elevator.
Requirements and Recommended Practices:
  • Ensure the elevator has a rated capacity to safely lift the combined weight of the load and the truck.
     
  • Approach elevators slowly and enter squarely after the elevator car is properly leveled. Once on the elevator, neutralize the controls, shut off the power, and set the brakes. [29 CFR 1910.178(n)(12)]
     
  • Ensure adequate overhead clearance for truck and space in elevator for the truck and operator.
Types & Fundamentals | Operating the Forklift | Understanding the Workplace | Training Assistance
eTools Home : Powered Industrial Trucks Safety and Health Topic Page | Credits