OSHA forklift hand signals can also tell the operator how to position the mast to make the load more balanced or easier to unload. Basically, if your spotter points to the left or right, move the forks in that direction. If the forks need to move left, the spotter will use the right arm to point to your left. The arm raises from a relaxed position next to the torso, straightened and parallel to the floor, with the index finger pointing in the direction the forks should move. To indicate a shift to the right, a spotter facing you will use his or her left hand to point to your right. Using forklift hand signals, a spotter can help you get into the right position the first time, preventing damage or just wasting time. Often, you'll need to adjust the position of the fork tines sideways to line up with a pallet or a space on the racks. Keep your hand parallel to the floor while signaling to lower the tines. Extend your right arm straight out from the shoulder and motion with your hand as though you were pushing down. The gesture for lowering the tines is similar to the signal you'd make to another driver to slow down. The finger then rotates in a small circle until the tines have reached the correct height. Raise the right hand, pointing up, with the elbow at 90 degrees and the index finger pointed to the ceiling or sky. Like many of the OSHA forklift hand signals, the gesture for raising the tines is simple. In this case, forklift hand signals tell the operator to adjust the height or position of the tines to accurately pick up or place the load. Often, the spotter directing the operator from the floor can see what's in front of the load better than the operator can. Using a spotter can greatly improve forklift safety. Your hands should lock together at the crotch between your thumb and your pointer finger and stop, with the fingers of one hand in front, laying over the back of your other hand. Bring your hands together in front of you. Position your hands as though you are about to shake hands with someone. To make this gesture, bend your elbows 90 degrees and hold them out from your body so your hands are not touching. It still indicates that you should stop but likely only for a moment. It may mean that you need to pause your forklift for another to pass or stop moving to prevent damage to your load or the racks. The dog everything signal doesn't imply danger. As you complete the gesture, your body and arms form a "T." This is probably the most important of all forklift hand signals. Straighten and raise your arms until they are parallel to the floor. To signal an emergency stop, stand straight and bend your elbows about 30 degrees so your hands cross over each other on your lower belly. Anyone on the worksite can use this signal, and OSHA forklift safety regulations require that anyone who sees it stop immediately. Use an emergency stop signal when the situation is dangerous. This signal could save a life or prevent a disaster, so you want to be clear on this one first and foremost. Learn these OSHA forklift hand signals and other tips for forklift operation and safety to keep your crew safe. Warehouses are noisy places, and you have to have a way to direct where and how to move a load, even when the operator can't hear you. These are the most commonly used hand signals. When you and your workers can communicate in the noisy atmosphere of a busy and potentially dangerous workplace, you help to ensure that everyone stays safe and that inventory moves smoothly. Forklifts are the workhorses of the modern warehouse, and every operator should know these seven universal forklift hand signals.
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