1.Speed
Keep in mind that you are operating a lift truck, not a race car or jet fighter. In case of an accident, you don't have an ejection seat. Always start and stop smoothly, and KEEP YOUR SPEED DOWN!

2.Quick Turns
The higher you lift a load, the more unstable it becomes. Always take extra care when making sharp turns with a raised load.

3.The 8 Inch Rule
When transporting loads, you should never raise your load more than 8 inches from the ground. Keep your load tilted back.

4.If Your View is Blocked
If a load blocks your view, travel in reverse.

5.Right Angle Stacking
There are times when you need to move your truck with a raised load, such as when you are right angle stacking. SLOW DOWN. Keep in mind that the higher you raise your load, the less stable it is.

6.Overhead Clearance
As you lift and transport loads, it is important to watch for overhead obstructions such as beams and cables.

7.Chain Slack
Chain slack means there is a problem in the lift mechanism. You should always stay alert to any problems with the lift mechanism of your lift truck. When problems do occur, DO NOT ATTEMPT to repair the chains or hydraulic system. Call maintenance at once.

8.Center Your Loads
Take time to adjust the forks on your lift to fit the load you will be carrying. Adjusting the forks outward for wide loads, helps you to center the load, and make it more stable.

9.Loose Loads
Never try to lift or carry loose or poorly stacked loads. Correctly stack and bind loads to prevent an accident that could damage the load, your truck, pedestrians or YOURSELF.

10.Wide and Long Loads
Wide and long loads are more unstable than other loads. Wide loads require that you keep them low and watch the balance of the load. When lifting and carrying long loads, keep in mind the load center and lift capacity of your truck. With both wide and long loads, you will need more room to maneuver. So, slow down and watch your clearance.

11.Driving on Ramps and Inclines
If you are driving an empty truck, travel in reverse up an incline, and forward down an incline. Note that the center of gravity for the truck is above the front drive wheels.

12.Driving on Ramps and Inclines
If, on the other hand, you are driving a loaded truck, travel forward up an incline, and backward down an incline. Note that the center of gravity for the load is above the front drive wheels.

13.Driving on Ramps and Inclines
NEVER turn while driving up or down a ramp or incline. NEVER drive across a ramp or incline. Because lift trucks are built "narrow," the center of gravity can quickly shift outside the stability triangle, causing the truck to tip over.

14.Driving on Various Surfaces
Ice, mud, gravel, sand, and soft dirt all present potential problems for you and your lift truck. Avoid these unsafe surfaces, if at all possible. They can damage your lift truck or cause an accident.

15.Driving on Various Surfaces
Try to avoid rough spots and pot holes. If you cannot avoid a rough spot, slow down and cross it carefully, at an angle, one wheel at a time.

16.Driving on Various Surfaces
Keep in mind that you are operating a piece of HEAVY equipment. Check with your supervisor to make sure that you are operating your lift truck in areas that will support both the truck and the load.

17.Always know the maximum weight capacity of elevators and lifts before you use them. Don't forget to calculate the total weight of your truck and your load before entering an elevator.

18.Loading Docks
Loading docks can be dangerous places. Always be aware of the edge of the dock. A fall from a loading dock in a lift truck can be fatal. Slow down, watch out for others, and live.
Whenever you load or unload a trailer:
1.Inspect the floor of the trailer to ensure that it will support the lift truck and the load.
2.Make sure that the wheels of the trailer are chocked to prevent the trailer from moving.
3.Make sure that dock plates, boards, and ramps are in place and secure.