Forklift Safety Newsletter: Fork Extensions: Good Idea or Not?

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Subject: Forklift Safety Newsletter: Fork Extensions: Good Idea or Not?

D2000 Safety Newsletter

Forklift Safety

Fork Extensions: Good Idea or Not?

Fork extensions can both solve and create load handling problems. They allow operators to handle wider loads, but they change the load center which affects stability and capacity.

Why do extensions change the truck’s capacity? This is because the farther you move the load’s center of gravity (load center) forward, the more overturning moment you are creating. This is particularly evident in the event of a sudden stop.

Forklift load charts are usually based on the load center being about 24 inches in front of the backrest. When using extensions, you need to ensure that you are keeping the load center as close to the backrest as practical and never more than half of the length of the extension.

Load characteristics and equipment capacities vary widely, here are some general safety guidelines for using extensions:

Forklift Safety

Training Options

Forklift Safety: Train the Trainer

Duration: 8 hours.

Prerequisites: Experience in operating all types of forklifts in use at that location. Good understanding of employer’s material handling policies and procedures.

Adult Education Basics
Regulatory Overview
Administering the Classes
Curriculum Review
Conducting Practical Evaluations
Best Practices

Telehandler Safety: Train the Trainer

Duration: 8 hours.

Prerequisites: Experience in operating all types of forklifts in use at that location. Good understanding of employer’s material handling policies and procedures.