The forklift nameplate shows important information about the truck, it gives sufficient data to the operator how it is being handled properly.
An operator who is intending to operate the truck must read the nameplate which tells them its limitations and specifications. This is a basic safety requirement provided by the manufacturer.
To ensure that the truck is being driven properly, operators must read the nameplate and be aware of the data about the forklift before being put to use to guarantee safety.
Without it, it could be worrisome for someone to operate the forklift. The operator could endanger himself and others in workplace because he could surpass the truck’s lifting and load capacity that could cause overturning.
Tipping over is the most frequent accident occurrence due to a handful of reasons, one of this is the carrying too much load more than the forklift can handle.
What Were Included in the Nameplate?
The data plate is like the material safety data sheet (MSDS) of the materials operator is handling. It includes many of the important specifications of the forklift.
Maximum lifting height – every forklift has it and operator must know about it to ensure that the task at hand is to be carried out correctly. It is the highest lifting elevation the load can be carried to based on the load center.
Load Center – This tells how far forward from the mast the balancing point of the load is. If in the past the forklift has been modified for whatever reason or equipped with an attachment/extension, it should be reflected to the nameplate and updated to give correct information.
Capacity – Obviously, it is the maximum weight the forklift can carry. The further forward the load is from the center of the gravity, the lesser load the truck can handle.
Mast and Back Tilt – It is the maximum degree of angle the back tilt. It is better to understand so that operator be informed the tilting degree when loading goods.
Weight of the Forklift - It refers to the weight of the truck without the load. Some nameplates don’t include the weight of the battery. Since battery is heavy, some forklift manufacturers don’t include it to the total truck weight. Battery has its own tag on it, you can add it to the truck weight to determine the total weight.
Tire Size – When fitted with tires not in conformance with the specification, the truck could be unstable. When replacing tires, it is best to suggest what was indicated in the nameplate. The pneumatic tire pressure is also included and must be followed to meet the required ratings.
Attachment – how attachment is to be fitted must be included to the nameplate. It tells the driver the capacity of the forklift as equipped with such attachment.
Some Precautions
For electric-powered lift truck, the minimum weight of the battery as indicated on the nameplate, should be followed, so that it won’t affect the rated capacity. Batteries vary in sizes and weight. If forklift is to be equipped with smaller and less heavier battery, the lifting capacity will be affected. It is best to follow the battery weight specification. The thing is the weight of the battery must be between the minimum and maximum as indicated in the data plate.
For any reason, the forklift is to be altered in any way to be used in any lifting situation, such modification can be advised first to the manufacturer if it is allowed. If so, then the nameplate must be updated to reflect such specification. This is also the case when attachment or extension is to be used to cater for a certain type of task.
Forklift Nameplate is Needed During These Instances
During Risk Analysis – The safety officer can refer to the nameplate to determine measurements to be included in the risk assessment report. This is vital if task to be carried out posts serious risk and hazard.
During Pre-Shift Operation – Every operator who is driving forklift must refer to the nameplate, especially when it is his first time to operate the machine. Referring to the nameplate during pre-operation is a good safety practice.
When Forklift is to be Outfitted with Attachment/Extension or Modified – Since equipping the forklift with attachment or modifying its design will greatly affect its capacity and stability, it should be reflected to the nameplate. Such modification and alteration can only be done with the manufacturer permission or written approval or by an engineering body.
OSHA Does State Nameplate Requirement on Forklift
Both of these regulating bodies have something to say about the requirement. If you were thinking that it is just small thing that inspector may overlooked when visited your premise, you might be facing citation. Anyhow, here are the specific regulation of OSHA and ANSI.
- 29 CFR 1910.178(a)(3) says that forklifts shall include identifying mark or data plate as approval by the testing body (which is in this case, the manufacturer or engineering firm).
- American National Standard for Powered Industrial Trucks, Part II, ANSI B56.1-1969 states some of the requirements. You can read here.
The Owner of the Forklift Should Be Responsible
Most people don't think about forklifts when they think about workplace safety, but they should. Forklifts are one of the most common pieces of equipment in many industrial and commercial settings, and they can be very dangerous if not used properly. One of the first things you should do when you're operating a forklift is to make sure that it has a nameplate.
The nameplate is required by law in many states, and it contains important information about the forklift, including the manufacturer, the model, and the capacity. If you're not sure whether or not your forklift needs a nameplate, check with your local Department of Labor.
A forklift nameplate is required when the forklift is first put into service, and must be affixed in a conspicuous location on the forklift. The nameplate must be legible and in English, and must contain the following information: the manufacturer’s name, the forklift model number, the serial number, the year of manufacture, and the load capacity. If the forklift is modified, the nameplate must be updated to reflect the changes.
The owner or operator of a forklift is responsible for ensuring that the nameplate is up to date. The nameplate must be updated whenever the forklift is modified or repaired.
What Should I Do if My Forklift Nameplate is Lost or Damaged?
If your forklift nameplate is lost or damaged, you should replace it as soon as possible. Forklift nameplates are required by law in many jurisdictions, and they help to identify the forklift and its owner. If your forklift does not have a nameplate, you may be subject to fines or other penalties.
You can contact the manufacturer of the forklift to order the appropriate nameplate on your machine. If there is new attachment or limitation, the new data should be indicated on the new template. The dealer charges small fee for the plate.
Can I Order a Custom Forklift Nameplate?
You can order the nameplate from the dealer or manufacturer of the truck you have in possession. Contact them to order. It only takes several days for order to arrive.
A forklift nameplate is required when the forklift is used in an environment where there is a potential for danger to people or property. The nameplate should be legible and visible, and it should be made of durable material that will not fade or wear away over time. The forklift nameplate should contain the following information:
- The name of the manufacturer
- The model number
- The serial number
- The load capacity
- The date of manufacture
- Mast type
- Weight of the truck
- Tire size
- Attachment
- Fuel type
The forklift nameplate is an important safety feature that helps to identify the forklift and its capabilities. If you are using a forklift in an environment where people or property could be at risk, be sure to check that the nameplate is legible and visible.
To Wrap This Up
Every powered industrial truck must have its own nameplate firmly attached to the truck. Because it degrades overtime, it should be decipherable. If it is lost, you can ask the manufacturer about the specification and create a makeshift nameplate.
Forklift operators without sufficient information about the truck they are driving are putting themselves in serious risk and danger. Safe usage of the forklift will determine by its nameplate. All drivers must know the load capacity of the truck, mechanical designs and specifications of the forklift. Nameplate must be present and firmly attached to the truck at all times, it is basic safety requirement.
