FORKLIFTS SIGNALS
Basic forklift hand signals every operator should know Forklift signals let operators communicate with spotters while moving heavy loads. In loud, cramped environments, these signals ensure clear communication with anyone RAISE THE TINES LOWER THE TINES behind the wheel of a forklift.
MOVE OSHA Forklift Hand Signals Every year, 11 percent of forklifts will get into a workplace OSHA Forklift Hand Spotters use this signalSigna accident. As such, hand signals for forklift operators play a key role in workplace safety.
when operators need to angle the end of their mast lower to the floor.
Most companies use the seven standard OSHA forklift hand signals. These gestures all correlate to a forklift’s main components — in particular, they target a forklift’s tines, mast and brakes. Generally, operators only follow instructions from a spotter, but anyone on a work site may call an emergency stop.
OSHA Forklift Hand Signals
OSHA forklift hand signals
RAISE THE TINES
TILT MAST FORWARD
LOWER THE TINES
This signal tells operators to lift their forks, also known as tines.
MOVE TINES (L/R)
RAISE THE TINES
LOWER THE TINES
Forklifts raise their tines when lifting materials to a higher elevation. Once the tines are high enough, operators can OSHA Forklift safely transfer materials. And from this position, forklifts can set loads with TINES LOWER THE TINES precision. TILT MASTgreater FORWARD
A Forklift Hand Signals RAISE THE
Operators lower the tines when bringing their forks closer to the ground.
Hand Signals DOG EVERYTHING
TINES (L/R) TILTMOVE MAST BACKWARD TILT MAST FORWARD
From a lower elevation, their THE tinesTINES can pick upLOWER new THE TINES RAISE materials.
and Signals
NES
MOVE TINES (L/R)
Spotters also use this signal when telling operators to place their loads.
DOG EVERYTHING EMERGENCY STOP LOWER THE TINES MOVE TINES (L/R) TILT MAST FORWARD TILT MAST BACKWARD This is the last forklift signal relating to itsFORWARD tines. TILT MAST
DOG EVERYTHING TILT MAST BACKWARD
It tells the operator to adjust their tines more to the left or right. This change in position allows the forklift to better distribute the weight from its load. Alternatively, it lets the operator adjust the material DOG EVERYTHING before placing it.
NES MOVE TINES (L/R) FORWARD TILT MAST BACKWARD DOG EVERYTHING 14
Lifting Africa - Forklift Guide & Register
From this position, materials can easily slide forward onto the ground. When the mast tilts forward, crew members can also remove a load by hand. TILT MAST BAC
EMERGENCY STOP
EMERGENCY STOP
This signal angles the end of a mast higher off the ground.
MOVE T
When an operator drives their forklift, a mast that’s tilted back has a more secure grip on the load. It also stabilizes weight distribution, EMERGENCY preventing a forklift from tipping forward.
TILT MAST BACK Dog everything is a signal telling the forklift operator to pause. Spotters use it when an unexpected safety hazard appears but hasn’t caused harm yet. If a person or object obstructs a forklift’s path, this signal halts movement until the EMERGENCY operator can continue. Spotters call an emergency stop when facing imminent danger or after an accident occurs. This signal immediately ceases operations until the crew deals with their emergency. Unlike other forklift signals, operators must follow an emergency stop order from anyone on the work site.