1.

PURPOSE

To provide safe practices for the operation, maintenance, and inspection of forklift
equipment.

2. SCOPE

This policy and procedure applies to all Philips Wire & Cable Co. employees.

3. RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1 Supervisors and Department with Assigned Forklift

3.1.1 Implement and apply this policies and procedures as it applies to the
department.
3.1.2 Ensure that employees within the department follow all policies and
procedures stated herewith.
3.1.3 Permit only those who are authorized forklift drivers with proper training
and current certification from Philips Wire & Cable Co. to operate
forklift.
3.1.4 Do not allow anyone to operate forklift that malfunctions. If there is a
condition affecting the equipment’s safety or operation, label the forklift
an out of service tag and ensure that the equipment is not placed back in
service until safety concern has been addressed.
3.1.5 Report all forklift incident/accidents to the department Manager or
Human Resource Department immediately.

3.2 Employees
3.2.1 Do not operate forklift without authorization and proper training and
certification from Philips Wire & Cable Co.
3.2.2 Report any deficiencies or issues with the equipment immediately to
immediate supervisor. Do not tamper with the equipment.
3.2.3 Do not use malfunctioning forklift.
3.2.4 Maintain forklift in good condition and do not abuse the equipment.
3.2.5 Follow all policies and procedures stated herewith.
3.2.6 Report all forklift related incident/accident to immediate Supervisor
immediately.

4. POLICIES & PROCEDURES

4.1 TRAINING

4.1.1 Employees must satisfactory complete training and be certified by

Philips Wire & Cable Co. before being authorized to operate forklift
equipment.
4.1.2 Operator training, evaluation and certification shall be conducted by the
designated personnel who have the knowledge, training and experience
to train forklift operators and evaluate their proficiency.
 4.1.3 Training will consist of lecture, demonstration by the trainer, trainee
hands-on equipment operation or practices, and trainer evaluation of the
trainee’s performance. Upon successful completion of training,
employees will be certified by the trainer and be issued a certification
and authorization I.D.
4.1.4 Forklift operators shall be certified at least once every two years.

4.2 OPERATION

4.2.1 Pre-Operation Inspection

4.2.1.1 Employee shall inspect forklift and complete the Pre-Operation
Inspection checklist prior to operating equipment. The checklist
shall be turned into designated location.
4.2.1.2 Attention shall be given to proper functioning of the tires,
horns, lights, controls, brakes, steering mechanism, cooling
system, and the lift system.
4.2.1.3 Any safety defects shall be noted on the inspection checklist
and immediately reported for repair. Place an “Out of Service”
tag on the forklift. The tag shall not be removed and the
equipment shall not be placed in service until the safety issue
has been corrected.
4.2.1.4 Inspection checklist shall be kept and maintained by the
department with assigned forklifts. Inspection checklists will be
kept for at least 1 year or until the noted issues have been
corrected, whichever is longer.

4.2.2 Carrying Loads

4.2.2.1 Loads being carried shall not exceed the maximum load
capacity indicated in the equipment.
4.2.2.2 Loads should be safely arranged, stable, and centered. Forks
should be spread as wide apart as possible and locked in place.
Loads of excessive width, length, or height shall be balanced,
braced, and secured as to prevent tripping or falling.
4.2.2.3 Do not raise load being carried while the forklift is running.

4.2.3 Operating Procedures

4.2.3.1 Before operating the forklift, inspect the equipment thoroughly
using the Forklift Pre-Operation Inspection checklist.
4.2.3.2 Forklift shall not be operated with a leak in the fuel system.
4.2.3.3 Forklift operator must wear seatbelt at all times.
4.2.3.4 Passengers are strictly not permitted, unless the forklift has an
extra seat that allows the passenger to buckle up while riding.
4.2.3.5 Lounging, meddling, or horse playing on or around the forklift
is not permitted.
4.2.3.6 Standing or walking on or underneath the forks is strictly not
allowed.
4.2.3.7 Do not elevate anyone with the forklift.
4.2.3.8 Keep all parts of the body within the confine of the equipment.
 4.2.3.9 The overhead guard and load backrest must be in place for
protection against falling objects.
4.2.3.10 Operate the forklift with care and only for the purpose
intended.
4.2.3.11 Always ensure that the way is free of obstruction and clear.
4.2.3.12 Do not operate the forklift on floors or surfaces with poor
condition that will not safely support the weight of the
equipment.
4.2.3.13 Never operate the forklift without being in the driver’s seat.
4.2.3.14 When leaving the forklift unattended, fully lower the
forks/load, engage brakes, turn-off engine, remove the key. The
equipment must be parked properly and not obstruct the way.
4.2.3.15 When parking on an inclined flooring or surface, the wheels
must be blocked or choked.

4.2.4 Traveling

4.2.4.1 When traveling with or without a load, the forks shall be

withdrawn back and raised as high as necessary to clear the
road surface.
4.2.4.2 Do not exceed the maximum 10mph speed limit.
4.2.4.3 Adjust speed according to the conditions of the road. Keep
forklift under control at all times to safely stop in an
emergency.
4.2.4.4 Look in the direction of travel and keep a clear view of path of
travel.
4.2.4.5 Avoid running over loose objects in the roadway.
4.2.4.6 Maintain a safe distance if there is a vehicle ahead.
4.2.4.7 Sound the horn when approaching other employees,
intersections, isles, and blind corners.
4.2.4.8 Slow down and sound horn at cross aisles and other locations
where vision is obstructed.
4.2.4.9 Do not pass other forklift traveling the same direction
particularly at intersections, blind spots, or other dangerous
locations.
4.2.4.10 Avoid quick starts and sudden stops and turns.
4.2.4.11 Never turn sideways on an inclined flooring or surface as this
can cause the equipment to tip over.

4.3 MAINTENANCE

4.3.1 Forklift repairs shall only be made by authorized personnel.

4.3.2 All replacement parts shall be equivalent in safety to the original parts to
be replaced.
4.3.3 Repairs that involve fire hazards shall only be done in locations safe for
repair.
4.3.4 Unless power is necessary for testing and repair, power sources shall be
disconnected and stored energy shall be discharged before working on
the primary electrical system.
4.3.5 The equipment shall not be altered or modified.