“ON SALE” 

FORKLIFT SAFETY TRAINING KITS

CLICK HERE

   

DIGITAL DVD DOWNLOAD

STARTING AT $59CLICK HERE

Shopping Cart
Get The #1 OSHA Compliant Forklift Training Kit

The Safety Benefits Of Forklift Hand Signals

Forklift hand signals are useful for directing forklift operators as they transport and move loads on a forklift. Using simple, easy hand signals, a supervisor can ensure the operator carries out their job quickly, safely, and efficiently. Let’s take a look at the safety benefits of forklift hand signals now, and discuss how proper signaling can help you avoid forklift accidents.

7 Main Types Of Signals And What They Mean

There are 7 main types of forklift hand signals, including the following:

  1. Move tines in a specific direction – This is usually done by pointing the index finger to the left or right.
  2. Lower tines – In this signal, the arm and hand are moved downward with the palm facing the ground. This signal instructs the operator to lower the forklift tines.
  3. Raise tines – In this signal, the spotter points upward with their index finger and spins their hand. This instructs the operator to raise the forklift tines.
  4. Tilt mast back – In this signal, the spotter moves their arm toward their head with the thumb extended until the arm is at a 90-degree angle. This signal instructs the operator to tilt the mast (also called “upright” or “load lifter) backward.
  5. Tilt mast forward – In this signal, the spotter moves their arm and hand downward while pointing down with their thumb. This signal instructs the operator to tilt the mast forward.
  6. Dog everything – In this signal, both hands clutch the opposing wrists at the waist. This instructs the forklift operator to pause what they are doing.
  7. Stop – In this signal, both arms are extended fully outward with the palms facing down. This signals an emergency stop, so the forklift operator must stop their operations immediately.

Why Are Forklift Hand Signals Important?

Forklift hand signals are important for a few primary reasons. With consistent signal use and proper safety training, your organization will be able to:

  • Increase safety – Forklifts cause a lot of accidents, including 85 deaths per year and up to 34,900 serious injuries. With proper forklift hand signal use, you can increase safety and keep your team members safe while they conduct day-to-day operations.
  • Boost productivity – Signal use helps your forklift operators do their jobs more effectively, eliminating guesswork and easing the difficulties of managing tough loads.
  • Standardize operations – Consistent, standardized hand signal use will help you standardize your operations and streamline your facility, leading to enhanced efficiency.

What is The Role Of A Spotter?

The spotter is the person responsible for issuing hand signals and instructions to the forklift operator. It’s important to understand that spotters should never look at the forklift operator while spotting – but rather, should always pay attention to the load on the forklift.

The spotter also must stand in a safe area where the forklift operator can see them clearly, and acknowledge that the signals have been seen and understood.

Requirements For Forklift Operation

Forklifts have a few basic requirements for safe, OSHA-compliant operation. The individual operating a forklift must be:

  • 18 years or older
  • Certified for forklift operation by OSHA-compliant training
  • Retrained every 3 years with OSHA-compliant training

At Forkliftsafety.com, we offer 2022 OSHA Compliant Training Kits, so we can provide you with the comprehensive information you need to keep your business operating at 100% OSHA compliance.

Get The Forklift Training Materials You Need From Forkliftsafety.com

At Forkliftsafety.com, we have decades of experience producing OSHA-compliant forklift safety training materials that will keep your workers safe, reduce liability, and give you peace of mind.

Effective training is the best way to prevent accidents and workplace incidents caused by forklifts – so invest in prevention by having proper training and safety procedures in place. Shop our selection of training materials now, or contact us online if you have any further questions.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

The Store

YOUR SOLUTION for 2 Hour OSHA COMPLIANT TRAININGOur Forklift Safety Training Kits!

NO OSHA Instructor Certification Required!

Call or order online today! 

               

Secure Online Ordering

 

Fed-Ex Ground Same Day Shipping!
(800) 494-3225

Shop Forklift Safety Training Materials!

Customers

Testimonials

Material Handling Solutions

Material Handling Solutions

Website

ForkliftSafety.com's OSHA Compliant forklift training kit is highly recommended by large liability insurance companies to their insured clients. Programs for the safe training of forklift operators has been their only business for nearly 20 years!

California Rental Association

California Rental Association

ForkliftSafety.com was named to present the 2018 OSHA Compliant Forklift Operator Training Seminar January 22, 2018 for attendees at the California Rental Association's sponsored event "The Rental Rally" at the SouthPoint Casino, Las Vegas.

Showcased Products

Material Handling Network
Material Handling Network has been delivering comprehensive coverage of the material handling industry for over 30 years.
Keytroller
Keytroller helps create a culture of safety in the workplace with electronic safety devices for forklifts and heavy equipment.
×