Common Forklift Questions & Answers (BC, Canada)
In addition to WorkSafeBC regulations, we must all be aware of several other factors that influence the design, construction, use, maintenance and operation of forklifts. Some of these are:
General Duty - this regulation demands that all work be done without undue risk, regardless of whether there are specific regulations relating to the work.
Due Diligence - this is WorkSafeBC’s requirement for employers to able show through records and documents an ongoing program of identifying hazards and taking all reasonable precautions to control and/or eliminate them.
Industry standards that are referenced by regulation - compliance with standards is voluntary, but there are some standards that the WorkSafeBC says we must comply with.
Company policies that are developed, implemented and enforced by the employer exceed regulation and are enforceable by regulation.
Manufacturer’s operating/maintenance instructions – manufacturer’s often list operational safety items and procedures as well as basic maintenance requirements within the manufacturer’s operating/maintenance manual for the specific make and model of equipment in use. Regulatory agencies typically reference and mandate compliance with most, if not all manufacturer’s requirements.
1) Does a forklift need to have a seat belt?
Yes. This has been an ANSI standard since 1993, although most of the major manufacturers have been outfitting their forklifts with seat belts well before it ever became standard. The WCB's typical position on the use of a seat belt is for operators to use the belt if the forklift has one.
2) Do older forklifts need to be retrofitted with a seat belt if they didn't come with one?
No, unless the WCB specifically orders you to.
NOTE: The rules for seat belts are different for equipment fitted with Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS), but most forklifts (other than rough terrain telehandlers) are not fitted with ROPS.
3) Do forklifts have to have a back-up alarm?
No, unless the operator's view to the rear is obstructed. Be careful though, a forklift with an enclosed cab needs a back-up alarm because the cab itself is an obstruction to vision. In addition, if the alarm is supplied by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) you are not allowed to alter or remove it.
4) If the operator has obstructed vision, could the operator just honk the horn while reversing instead of having a back-up alarm?
No, regulations say that the back-up alarm must activate automatically when the equipment is placed into reverse.
5) Are rear view mirrors required?
Yes. This is not a particularly popular regulation but it is regulation nonetheless (WCB 16.10). The regulation says that mirrors are not required if it is dangerous or impossible/impractical to have them. Careful here, using the fact that operators become "lazy" with mirrors because they don't turn around and look in the direction of travel when reversing is not a valid hazard to cite for not using mirrors. Properly trained and supervised operators will not do that anyway
6) Are headlights required?
No. Unless the forklift is used in conditions dark enough to give the operator trouble seeing and even then, increasing the local lighting may fix the problem. Of course, if someone is operating a forklift outside before sunrise or after sunset, or in a dark trailer, or in any condition where a vehicle or person could not be clearly seen 150 meters (492 feet) away, you will have to install lights.
7) Is a horn required?
Yes. This has been an ANSI standard forever, and just in case there is any confusion, the horn has to work!
8) Can I use a steering wheel knob?
Yes you can, as long as your forklift has power steering and the knob is the type that fits in the palm of your hand and no part of it sticks out past the outer edge of the steering wheel.
9) Does a forklift need to have a capacity/data plate?
Absolutely. The operator has to be able to read the plate and determine the maximum load the machine can lift to its maximum lifting height with whatever attachment is in use at the time.
10) What about fire extinguishers?
Not required by any specific regulation, but remember company policy may exceed regulation. If you are hauling explosive material or working in highly combustible areas, a fire extinguisher is recommended, if not required.
11) Can I put something on the roof to keep me from getting wet in the rain?
Yes, as long as you don't do anything to the overhead guard that would weaken it or prevent you from seeing through it. Drilling, welding, and/or plywood are out.
12) Modifications/Alterations:
Modifying a forklift by altering any of its parts is only acceptable when qualified people that have the written consent of the manufacturer or a professional engineer perform the work.
NOTE: Although the answers to the questions above are generally correct, an occupational safety officer may issue orders on a work site that conflict and indeed override these answers if he/she feels that an observed condition presents a particularly high risk of injury or occupational disease to any person.