The Forklift Operator’s Handbook
The Forklift Operator’s Handbook is a practical reference guide for new and experienced forklift operators, supervisors and employers.
It covers the complete operating process, from pre-use inspections and stability to load handling, pedestrian awareness and emergency procedures.
The handbook is intended to reinforce professional standards after suitable operator training. It does not replace practical instruction, assessment, workplace familiarisation or employer authorisation.
What Does the Handbook Cover?
The guide includes practical information about:
- Operator responsibilities
- Professional operating behaviour
- Daily pre-use inspections
- Forklift stability
- Load centres
- Rated capacity
- Safe driving techniques
- Load assessment
- Stacking and de-stacking
- Pedestrian awareness
- Loading and unloading vehicles
- Operating on slopes
- Forklift attachments
- Electric and LPG forklifts
- Parking and shutdown
- Emergency procedures
- Maintaining operator competence
- Daily inspection checklists
- Banksman signals
- Workplace safety signs
- Knowledge assessment
- Common forklift terminology
Who Is the Handbook For?
The handbook can support:
- Newly trained forklift operators
- Experienced operators
- Employees preparing for formal training
- Warehouse supervisors
- MHE managers
- Employers responsible for workplace transport
- Health and safety representatives
- Businesses reviewing operator standards
It can be used as a reference after training or as part of workplace safety discussions.
Receive the Forklift Operator’s Handbook
Complete the form to receive the handbook.
Important Information
The handbook provides general practical guidance.
Operators must always follow:
- Their formal training
- Manufacturer instructions
- Workplace risk assessments
- Site rules
- Safe systems of work
- Employer authorisation
- Instructions for the particular truck and attachment
The guide should not be used to teach an untrained employee how to operate a forklift without suitable practical training and supervision.
Operator Training and Workplace Authorisation
A handbook or training certificate does not automatically authorise someone to operate equipment.
Employers remain responsible for:
- Selecting suitable operators
- Providing appropriate training
- Completing specific-job instruction
- Providing workplace familiarisation
- Formally authorising operators
- Monitoring continuing competence
- Arranging further instruction when required
Read the Forklift Employer Responsibilities Guide
Daily Pre-Use Inspections
One of the handbook’s core subjects is the pre-use inspection.
Depending on the equipment, operators may need to check:
- Tyres and wheels
- Fork arms
- Carriage and mast
- Chains and rollers
- Hydraulic systems
- Steering
- Brakes
- Controls and instruments
- Horn and warning devices
- Seat and restraint
- Battery or fuel system
- Capacity plate
- Visible damage or leaks
Operators should know how to report defects and when equipment must not be used.
Daily checks do not replace planned maintenance or statutory examinations.
Forklift Stability and Capacity
The handbook explains factors that can affect forklift stability, including:
- Load weight
- Load centre
- Lift height
- Weight distribution
- Turning
- Speed
- Gradients
- Ground conditions
- Attachments
- Sudden movement
- Rated capacity
Operators must use the correct capacity information for the truck and attachment configuration involved.
Safe Load Handling
Practical load-handling guidance includes:
- Assessing the load
- Checking pallet condition
- Adjusting fork spacing
- Approaching squarely
- Engaging the load correctly
- Travelling with the load in a safe position
- Maintaining visibility
- Stacking and de-stacking
- Depositing loads safely
- Avoiding overloading
A load should not be moved when its weight, stability or suitability is unknown.
Pedestrian Awareness
Forklift operators frequently work around pedestrians, visiting drivers and other vehicles.
The handbook reinforces:
- Following traffic routes
- Observing before moving
- Controlling speed
- Using warning devices appropriately
- Maintaining visibility
- Respecting pedestrian crossings
- Following exclusion arrangements
- Stopping when a route is unsafe
Employers must support safe operation with suitable traffic-management and pedestrian controls.
Maintaining Operator Competence
Formal training is only one part of maintaining safe forklift operations.
Further instruction or reassessment may be appropriate when an operator:
- Develops unsafe working practices
- Has an accident or near miss
- Has not operated for some time
- Uses the truck only occasionally
- Changes equipment
- Moves to another workplace
- Encounters new loads or attachments
- Requires additional coaching
Read the Forklift Refresher Training Guide
Need Forklift Training?
GH Training provides AITT-accredited forklift and material-handling equipment training at customer premises.
Courses are available for:
- New operators
- Experienced operators without recognised formal training
- Trained operators changing equipment category
- Previously trained operators requiring refresher instruction
- Operators requiring workplace familiarisation
Complete the Free Training Gap Check
Call 01925 500796
Further Forklift Guidance
Forklift Training Knowledge Hub