What is the Forklift Speed Limit?

Posted by: admin on November 24, 2022

There is no universal answer to the question of how fast a forklift can go. The forklift speed limit varies depending on the type of vehicle, the load being carried, and the environment in which the forklift is being operated. For example, most electric forklifts have a top speed of around 8 miles per hour, while diesel-powered forklifts can reach speeds of up to 18 miles per hour. When carrying a heavy load, a forklift’s speed will be limited by its capacity. In general, it is safe to assume that a forklift’s maximum speed is around half of its maximum load capacity. For example, a forklift with a maximum load capacity of 2 tons should not exceed speeds of 10 miles per hour. Finally, the speed limit for forklifts may be lower in indoor environments or when operating in congested areas. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and consult your forklift operator’s manual for specific speed limits. OSHA requires operators to be trained and certified in order to drive a forklift.

CertifyMe.net shows your employees all the proper, safe operating techniques for OSHA compliance. With our training modules, your workers will gain insights into:

• The top speed of a forklift
• Safe forklift speeds – depending on the situation, safe forklift speed varies. For example, when approaching corners in a warehouse, it’s not a good time to test the top speed of a forklift!
• OSHA safety standards, including subjects like how fast can forklifts go, maximum load capacities, pedestrian safety, and much more!

Sign up today with CertifyMe.net and ensure your workplace is safe – and OSHA-compliant! If your company has an accident or injury with a forklift, OSHA inspectors will demand safety training records. With CertifyMe.net, you have everything required to show training and compliance!

OSHA Guidelines for Forklift Speed Limits

There are two OSHA regulations that address concerns regarding what is a safe forklift speed: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(8) and 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(15).

29 CFR 1910.178(n)(8) states that forklifts should be driven at a speed that will allow them to be brought to a stop in a safe manner. This applies to all types of forklifts and travel conditions and is one of the most important forklift speed limit regulations to follow.

29 CFR 1910.178(n)(15) is designed to minimize the risk of forklift accidents caused by turning a lift too quickly or too sharply. This regulation says operators should reduce speed to a safe level by turning the steering wheel at a moderate, controlled rate.

Does OSHA Define a Safe Forklift Speed for All Worksites?

OSHA standards for forklift speed are not defined by miles per hour. Instead, OSHA leaves it to employers to set speed limits at their warehouses or job sites. These factors should be considered when establishing maximum speed limits:

• Type of forklift
• Work environment
• Surface conditions
• Manufacturer’s speed limitations
• Type and weight of the load being carried
• Safe stopping distances
• Pedestrian traffic and other safety concerns
• Manufacturer recommended forklift max speed

Another factor to consider relative to OSHA forklift speed limits: forklift brakes don’t always work as effectively as those on other vehicles. Trucks can easily become unbalanced if the driver suddenly applies the brakes too hard. This can cause a tip-over or loss of load, putting the driver and nearby pedestrians at risk. Determining the safe stopping distance can help set safe forklift speed limits, so drivers don’t have to brake so hard.

Determining Safe Stopping Distances – How OSHA Forklift Speed Limits Impact Safety

Stopping distances are related to the top speed of a forklift. Safe stopping distances are affected by several factors. These include the weight of the truck, weight of the load, and floor grading. The following formula is often used for calculation purposes:

S = 0.394^2 / D-G where:

• D = drawbar drag, as a percentage
• G = percentage grade (e.g., 5 for 5%)
• S = stopping distance in meters
• V = velocity in km/h

This helps set maximum speeds on clean, well-maintained floors. It also shows how work site factors, such as floor surface, drawbar drag and grade percentage, can impact safe speeds.

How to Calculate Safe Stopping Distance Based on the Top Speed of a Forklift

How fast can forklifts go? Forklift speed all depends on the type of forklift, the manufacturer’s guidelines, and other factors. We recommend that every employee should know the top speed of a forklift, regardless of the model they’re driving.

Another tool for calculating safe stopping distance comes from A Guide to Forklift Safety (page 10). This handy reference guide provides a useful chart for determining safe braking distances when traveling on an even surface.

Too often, operators are expected to apply the right amount of braking to avoid accidents. This can be difficult to do when a sudden stop is needed. Setting speed limits based on minimum safe stopping distances can take this burden off operators and help prevent accidents and injuries.

How to Control Forklift Speed

Operators are responsible for driving at safe forklift speeds. Here are things you can do to promote safe forklift driving across your jobsite:

• Post forklift speed limit signs where operators can easily see them. These serve as constant reminders to maintain safe speeds.
• Install forklift speed bumps. These help control speed by forcing trucks to come to a complete stop to pass over them. Place them in crosswalks, pathways, blind spots and areas with pedestrian traffic.
• Install speed limiting devices on your forklifts. These prevent operators from speeding by controlling the truck’s throttle system. They do not reduce the full lifting power of the truck.
• Equip your forklifts with speed alarms. These alert operators when they go over the speed limit. Forklift speed alarms can be set up to create beeps when the forklift approaches the speed limit. When the operator exceeds the speed limit, the alarm will flash warning lights or create a loud siren noise.

It’s one thing to set truck speed limits. To have a safe worksite, you also need to make operators aware of the limits and enforce them.

Forklift Safety Best Practices

Enforcing forklift speed limits is a good start to avoid tip-overs and other types of lift accidents. You can also ensure that your workers use the following forklift safety best practices:

• Always operate forklifts at a speed that allows stopping in a safe and controlled manner.
• Drive slowly and with caution on wet, slippery floors.
• Always watch your forklift max speed, and run your lift within allowable forklift speed limits.
• Use extra caution on-ramps and graded surfaces.
• Slow down and sound your horn when navigating intersections and blind spots.
• Reduce speed around corners by turning the steering wheel in a smooth, sweeping motion
• Keep a reasonable distance between forklifts.

Other Factors to Consider When Determining Safe Forklift Speeds

Forklifts come in different sizes and weights. They also have different construction materials. You must be aware of these differences to operate the vehicle safely. The heavier the vehicle, the lower the speed should be.

You must also take into account the condition of the aisles where the trucks circulate. The surface resistance and anti-slip ability will determine how far the truck will need to brake. Another important factor is driver visibility. Driving speed should be slower in areas of poor visibility.

Ramps, curves, and road obstacles should be considered when determining driving speed. The truck must go slower on a ramp with a higher inclination. Quick turns should always be avoided

Once we figure out how fast people should go in each case, we need to make sure everyone follows the speed limit. We need to talk to employees about this goal and remind drivers by posting signs with the speed limit at regular intervals.

Advances in Electric Forklift Speed Control Technology

More and more employers have begun searching for ways to limit forklift speed in the workplace. Electric forklift speed control offers a number of benefits. There are two kinds of drive speed controls: AC and DC. The DC system allows operators to apply a certain voltage to the DC motor to operate the lift, while the AC option allows for more variable speed control technology. Given this versatility, it’s no wonder electric forklifts are growing in popularity.

Safe Forklift Speed FAQs

Here are answers to common questions about how to drive a forklift at a safe speed.

How Do I Control My Forklift’s Speed?

You can control the speed of your forklift by properly using the accelerator and brakes. In addition, you need to account for your work environment. For instance, an operator who is driving a lift on uneven terrain should take extra precautions to control their forklift speed. This is due to the fact that their lift may be more susceptible to a tip-over on uneven terrain than level ground.

In some cases, a forklift speed limiter may be necessary to control speed. This technology can be installed on virtually any type of lift, ensuring that operators never go beyond safe forklift speed in the workplace. This option is growing increasingly popular as managers look to reduce accidents and increase job site safety. 

How Long Does it Take to Stop a Forklift at Full Speed?

The length of time required to stop a forklift traveling at full speed varies based on the lift, its load, and other factors. Generally, forklift operators should maintain a distance of at least 20 ft. (or the equivalent of three truck lengths) from bystanders, vehicles, and objects. Given that most forklifts can reach speeds of 18 miles per hour, it’s best to exercise caution when determining safe forklift speed. The fast you drive, the less time you have to react to potential hazards.

What Happens if an Operator Drives Too Fast and Causes an Accident?

A speeding accident is a serious problem. If a forklift accident occurs due to speeding, the driver will need to complete recertification training. Also, an employer may be subject to OSHA penalties.

Slow, cautious forklift operation is paramount, regardless of jobsite. By enrolling your workers in a forklift safety certification training program, you can ensure they know the importance of driving at a safe forklift speed — without exception.

What is the Usual Posted Speed Limit for Forklifts?

Since speed limits vary based on setting, be sure to look for forklift speed limit signage around the job site. The speed limit sign is usually white, red, or yellow, with bold black lettering to let you know the precise safe speed for lifts in that particular location. Forklift speed limits in a warehouse look a lot different than on a construction site with rough terrain. In most cases, though, operators rarely exceed 10 miles per hour while using lifts on the job. 

What is the Official OSHA Forklift Speed Lift?

When it comes to forklift speed, there is no official limit set by OSHA. Instead, employers are responsible for determining a safe speed for their own workplace. That said, the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) suggests a general maximum speed of 8 mph, with a reduced limit of 3 mph in areas where there is high pedestrian traffic. By setting and enforcing appropriate speed limits, employers can help to create a safe working environment for their employees and minimize the risk of accidents.

Do You Still Have Forklift Speed Limit Questions or Concerns? CertifyMe.net Can Help!

CertifyMe.net offers the training and OSHA compliance resources necessary for a safe and productive workplace. If you’re concerned about safe forklift speeds in your space, ensure operators have the proper training before they start work. Our certification training can be completed anywhere internet access is available. Best of all, it takes as little as one hour to get lift operators up to speed.

CertifyMe.net has the training and compliance resources you need for a safer, more productive workplace. From warehouse safety tips to lifetime support, we’re here to help you become OSHA-compliant today. To learn more or to enroll your workers in our forklift safety certification program, please contact us online  or call us today at 1-888-699-4800.