Section 1 Forklift Training Manual

FORKLIFT SAFETY TRAINING MANUAL • LESSON 1 • INTRODUCTION & OVERVIEW TO FORKLIFTS

Center of Gravity Another core principle that affects safe lifting capacity is the center of gravity. As a load is raised, the center of gravity shifts away from the truck and towards the forks. The forklift has been engineered for this.Therefore, the maximum safe lifting capacity has been calculated using this shifted center of gravity. However, when equipment operators exceed the maximum safe lifting capacity and try to lift excessive loads, the forklift's engineered safety limit can be exceeded, resulting in an accident, injury or equipment damage.

Overloading a forklift puts stress and strain on other parts of the equipment such as the hydraulic system, steering system, and other metal parts. It is very possible that the truck would overturn. Tilting a load or loading improperly can also adversely affect the center of gravity.

Tilt load only when necessary for positioning loads onto racks or other material-handling equipment.

Lesson 1 • Page 12