Forklift Hand Signals Guide (Free Printable)

Powered industrial trucks are loud, spotters are often near blind corners, and the operator's forward view can be blocked by the load. Standardized signals reduce miscommunication — a leading cause of pedestrian struck-by incidents.

• Stop — spotter holds both arms out, palms forward.
• Emergency stop — spotter waves both arms rapidly overhead.
• Move forward — spotter faces the operator and beckons with both hands.
• Move backward — spotter faces the operator and waves palms outward.
• Raise forks — one arm extended vertically, index finger pointing up in small circles.
• Lower forks — one arm extended downward, index finger pointing down in small circles.
• Tilt mast forward — arm extended, thumb pointing down.
• Tilt mast backward — arm extended, thumb pointing up.

• Only one spotter per operator — multiple spotters cause conflicting signals.
• If the operator loses sight of the spotter, they stop.
• An emergency-stop signal can come from anyone on the floor.
• Spotters wear high-visibility vests and stand outside the truck's path.
• Signals are covered in the workplace evaluation, not just formal instruction.

The spotter's responsibilities extend beyond giving signals:

• Pre-operation check: before an operation involving a spotter begins, confirm the plan with the operator.
• Area survey: survey the path of travel, identify hazards, and make sure the area is clear of personnel.
• Constant vigilance: keep continuous visual contact with the forklift, its load, and the surroundings.
• One spotter only: only one person should be designated as the spotter and communicate with the operator at a time.
• Emergency response: the spotter is often first to see an emergency unfolding and should be trained to give the emergency stop signal immediately.

Print this page in landscape orientation and post it near dock doors, congested aisles, and battery rooms. Include your site's own signal conventions (e.g., blue-light spotters, corner mirrors) alongside the standard signals.