Forklift Fork Length Regulations

Before an employee can operate a forklift or other pit in the workplace the employer must evaluate the forklift operator s performance and determine if the employee can operate the forklift appropriately.

Forklift fork length regulations. Regular inspections should be carried out by trained personnel. Fork length occupational safety and health standards osha specify that fork extension length should be no longer than 150 of the original truck fork length. The length of a forklift extension should not exceed 1 5 times the length of the fork. If a load exceeds the maximum allowed load center longer forks should be used instead of forklift extensions.

Forklift extensions are designed for hook type forks only. As a general rule the wider the better. Many forklifts are rated using a 24 inch load center which means that the load s center of gravity must be 24 inches or less from the face of the forks. Osha requires that forklift fork extensions cannot exceed 1 5 times the length of the fork.

Fork extensions should not exceed 1 5 times the length of the fork. Additionally it is important to remember that forklift extensions are designed for light loads. Difference in height of fork tips. In this illustration the red arrow represents the fulcrum and the black and white circle under the operator s seat represents the vehicle s center of gravity.

Fork marking not legible. Forks in use shall be inspected at intervals of 12 months or less depending on the possible severe application multi shift operation and fork conditions. Fork blade or shank wear. Typically any forklift from 1500 5500 lbs.

To read more about proper extension use please see section 7 39 of the ansi b56 1 ruling on fork extensions. Fork angle from blade to shank is not straight. Positioning lock not in working order. To prevent the load from tilting forward the forklift mast must be tilted backward.

Click for data information on extensions. 6000 11 000 lbs capacity lifts will be class 3. Osha forklift training requirements. Fits fork widths 4 5 and 6.

Do not operate the forklift if the forks show any of the defects listed above. How to install forklift extensions. A truck with existing forks measuring 48 long should not be equipped with forklift extension and longer than 72. Osha regulations state that the length of the fork extensions may not exceed fork length by more than 50.

Extensions for shaft mounted forks are available. In addition the length of the nails should always be of the length of the load or greater. Will have class 2 forks. 11 500 17 500 lbs capacity forklifts will be class 4.

For shaft mount fork extensions please call 800 535 5303 for information. Osha requires contacting the manufacturer of your truck for written approval for the use of any fork truck attachments. Requirements and recommended practices. If necessary separate the nails before lifting the load.