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Hazards of a Type G Forklift

Because of the vastly different tasks forklifts are required to do in industrial and commercial work environments, several different types and classifications of forklifts have been developed. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration classifies forklifts with internal combustion engines that run on gasoline as class G forklifts. These types of forklifts' main characteristic is a lack of substantial protection against fire and explosion.

  1. Refueling Hazards

    • The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity states in their Forklift Safety Guide that forklift vehicles that run on gasoline must have their engines turned off and hand brakes set on the vehicle before it is refueled. Completing these minimal safeguards provides protection against fire and explosion of gas vapors during the refueling process. Setting the hand bake on the vehicle ensures that the vehicle will not accidentally roll away or be started and placed in gear while fueling.

    Special Fire and Explosion Hazards

    • OSHA requires that only specialized forklifts using battery or alternative fuel power be used in areas with special hazards such as combustible gases, fumes, fibers or residues. The Class G forklift does not have protections against the ignition of these hazards and therefore is only recommended for use in areas that are not classified as hazardous.

    Carbon Monoxide

    • The class G forklift, being an internal combustion engine powered industrial truck, does not have protections against the hazardous emission of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be poisonous to workers in high concentrations. Therefore, it is recommended by OSHA that G class forklifts only be used for short periods of time when in confined spaces. In this case, confined space means a workspace with very little ventilation to permit dispersal of accumulated carbon monoxide.

    General Hazards

    • Class G forklifts are often designed for outdoor use for heavy manufacturing and construction activities. Because of this applicability, class G forklifts can be very large and heavy. With this type of size, maneuverability can be a problem and operators must take care to avoid collisions with other vehicles, objects and workers -- as well as avoiding overhead electrical lines which may be in a work area.

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