Debunking Common Misconceptions About §3664 Forklift Operating Rules in Film and TV Production

On a bustling soundstage in Los Angeles, I've watched a grip operator casually hop onto a forklift's forks to reach a lighting rig. It looked cinematic—until it nearly became a real action sequence gone wrong. California's Title 8 §3664 lays out strict forklift operating rules for powered industrial trucks, yet in film and TV production, misconceptions persist, turning everyday equipment moves into hazards.

Misconception 1: Forklifts Are Basically Fancy Cars—No Special Training Needed

Nothing could be further from the truth. §3664(a) mandates that only trained and authorized operators handle these beasts. In production, where sets shift hourly and props pile up unpredictably, assuming a PA with a driver's license can jump on leads to tip-overs or collisions.

We've seen it: untrained crew mistaking forklifts for golf carts on uneven studio floors. OSHA data shows operator error causes 70% of forklift incidents. Training isn't optional; it's non-negotiable, covering stability, load centers, and site-specific quirks like dodging dolly tracks.

Misconception 2: Overloading Is Fine for 'Quick Shots' or Heavy Props

§3664(c) demands never exceeding rated capacity. Film crews often haul massive set pieces—think 2,000-pound faux walls—tempting operators to max out. But overloads shift the center of gravity, especially on ramps or when turning for that perfect crane shot setup.

• Real-world fix: Use load charts religiously. We once audited a lot where overloading bent forks mid-shoot, halting production for days.
• Pro tip: Distribute loads evenly and tack on a 20% safety margin for dynamic loads like swinging lights.

Misconception 3: Passengers Ride Free—It's Faster That Way

Short answer: No. §3664(j) prohibits passengers unless the truck has approved dual controls, which most production forklifts don't. That key grip riding shotgun? One sudden stop, and they're airborne.

In TV's high-pressure environment, it's tempting to shuttle crew between warehouses. But stats from the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) highlight falls from height as a top violation. Enforce walkie-talkies instead—safer and drama-free.

Misconception 4: §3664 Doesn't Apply to 'Temporary' Set Conditions

Sets are fluid: catwalks overhead, cables snaking floors, extras milling about. §3664(e) requires a safe operating area, free of blind spots and obstacles. Yet productions wave it off as "temporary," leading to strikes with lighting stands or worse, actors.

I've consulted on shoots where pre-op inspections revealed hydraulic leaks from ignored potholes. Mandate daily walkthroughs and spotters for visibility-challenged maneuvers. Reference Cal/OSHA's Group 6 guidelines for entertainment—§3664 integrates seamlessly.

Misconception 5: Visibility Rules Are Overkill in Familiar Lots

§3664(f) insists on clear views or assistants when loads block sightlines. In film, stacking gear for a hero shot often obscures forward vision. Crews shrug it off in "familiar" backlots, but unfamiliar night shoots or reshuffles change everything.

Balance this: Horns, mirrors, and reverse beepers save lives. A Hollywood incident report I reviewed pinned a near-miss on ignored spotters—lesson learned the hard way.

Bottom line: §3664 forklift operating rules aren't production roadblocks; they're script protectors. Dive into the full text at the Cal/OSHA site, audit your ops against it, and train relentlessly. Your next blockbuster—and your crew—will thank you. For deeper dives, check NIOSH's forklift safety resources.