Forklift Truck
A forklift truck, also known as a forklift, fork truck, lift truck, or industrial truck, is a powered industrial vehicle used to lift, carry, stack, load, and unload materials. Forklifts are widely used in warehouses, freight terminals, construction sites, manufacturing facilities, retail distribution centres, and agricultural operations.
The primary lifting attachment consists of two metal forks, commonly called tines, which are inserted beneath pallets or loads for transport. Most forklifts utilise a hydraulically operated mast that allows the tines to be raised, lowered, and tilted.
Forklifts are available in numerous configurations including electric, diesel, petrol, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), rough-terrain, and specialised container-handling models.
Because loads can obstruct an operator's view, and because forklifts often operate in busy workplaces, spotters are frequently employed to assist operators using recognised hand signals.
History
The modern forklift developed during the early twentieth century as industries sought more efficient methods for moving heavy materials. As palletised freight became increasingly common after the Second World War, forklifts became indispensable in warehouses, factories, ports, rail yards, and distribution centres throughout the world.
Components
Major forklift components commonly include:
- Mast
- Fork carriage
- Tines (forks)
- Hydraulic lifting system
- Counterweight
- Operator compartment
- Overhead guard
- Steering system
- Drive system
- Wheels and tyres
Additional attachments may include clamps, rotators, drum handlers, jib attachments, work platforms, and specialised material-handling tools.
Safety
Forklifts are among the most widely used industrial vehicles but can also present significant hazards if improperly operated.
Common safety practices include:
- Proper operator training.
- Pre-operational inspections.
- Adherence to rated load capacities.
- Seatbelt use where fitted.
- Maintaining safe travel speeds.
- Keeping pedestrians separated from forklift traffic.
- Use of spotters in restricted-visibility situations.
- Following workplace traffic-management procedures.
- Regular maintenance and inspection.
Common Forklift Spotter Hand Signals
In situations where verbal communication is difficult or visibility is restricted, spotters may communicate with forklift operators using recognised hand signals. The following signals are commonly used in forklift operations and related material-handling environments.
Stop
The spotter extends both arms horizontally to indicate that the forklift is to stop and remain stationary.
Dog Everything
The spotter clasps both hands together in front of the body to indicate that all equipment movement is to cease and that the forklift, attachment, and load are to remain secured in their current positions.
The term dog everything originated in lifting and rigging operations, where a dogman (or rigger) directs machinery movements and secures loads. The command instructs the operator to stop all motion, hold the current configuration, and await further instructions. It is commonly used when a load must remain stable while conditions are assessed or additional directions are provided.
Tines in Direction
The spotter extends one arm and points in the desired direction of movement. The operator moves the tines or attachment in the indicated direction.
Raise the Tines
The spotter raises one hand with an extended finger moving in a circular motion to indicate that the tines or attachment should be raised.
Lower the Tines
The spotter indicates a downward movement to instruct the operator to lower the tines or attachment.
Mast Forward
The spotter extends one arm with the thumb directed downward and motions forward to instruct the operator to tilt the mast forward.
Mast Backward
The spotter raises one arm with the thumb directed inward and motions backward to instruct the operator to tilt the mast backward.
See Also
- Material handling
- Pallet
- Warehouse
- Logistics
- Occupational safety and health