Search

Forklift Safety: How Much Weight Can My Forklift Carry?

Posted on 3/6/2012 by James Griffin

Q. How can I tell how much weight my forklift can carry?
 
A. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) protects workers in the workplace. This includes safe operations of powered industrial trucks (PITs), commonly called forklifts. The complete set of rules for these can be found under the Materials Handling and Storage section of OSHA regulations at 29 CFR 1910.178.
 
At 29 CFR 1910.178(o)(2), OSHA states that “only loads within the rated capacity of a truck shall be handled.” The rated capacity can be found on the “data plate” located on the forklift. You can see an example data plate below.
 
Forklifting Warning Label
 
There are several important numbers on the data plate, which include the rated maximum capacity (shown with the left arrow) as well as the load center (shown with the right arrow).
 
The load capacity is fairly straightforward. You should never attempt to lift more than the rated capacity, which on this plate is 5,000 lbs.
 
The load center, on the other hand, is the center of gravity for the load and, according to this data plate, should not be greater than 24 inches. It would not be good to have a center of gravity larger than this, because if the center of gravity is too far forward, the forklift can tip forward. This could cause the load to fall off or even possibly cause the forklift to fall over.
 
You can actually have a center of gravity larger than the one listed on the data plate, but this will force you to carry a lighter load. You can calculate a new load limit by using a simple formula, as follows:
 
Rated load center / Actual load center x Rated capacity = New safe load capacity
 
For instance, let’s say our load actually had a load center of 28 inches. Using the equation, we can figure out the new rated capacity.
 
24 inches / 28 inches x 5,000 lbs. = 4,286 lbs.
 
To view OSHA’s complete rules on PITs, click here.
 

Tags: osha

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

I can't say enough how pleased I was with this course! Everything finally makes sense.

Kim Graham

Lab Manager

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

I really enjoy your workshops. Thank you for such a great program and all the help Lion has provided me over the years!

George Chatman

Hazardous Material Pharmacy Technician

Attending Lion Technology classes should be mandatory for every facility that ships or stores hazmat.

Genell Drake

Outbound Lead

The instructor was great, explaining complex topics in terms that were easily understandable and answering questions clearly and thoroughly.

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

Lion is my preferred trainer for hazmat and DOT.

Jim Jani

Environmental Coordinator

I have been to other training companies, but Lion’s material is much better and easier to understand.

Mark Abell

Regional Manager

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

Lion's information is very thorough and accurate. Presenter was very good.

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

Amazing instructor; real-life examples. Lion training gets better every year!

Frank Papandrea

Environmental Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

The definitive 10-step guide for new hazardous materials shipping managers. Quickly reference the major considerations and details that impact hazmat shipping compliance.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.