Drive Safely - Forklifts

 

Overview
Forklifts are one type of powered industrial truck. Others include platform lift trucks, motorized hand trucks, tractors, and other trucks that are powered by an electric motor or internal combustion engine. Improper handling or misuse of forklifts often causes injuries.

OSHA requires operators to be trained. Before operating a forklift, you should understand the basic operating and loading rules, basic rules for safe travel, truck-related and workplace-related information, and how to perform a safety check.

Basic Operating and Loading Rules
Accidents can be avoided if basic powered industrial truck operating and loading rules are followed. Some of these rules are:
• Do not allow anyone to stand or pass under raised forks, whether loaded or empty.
• Only stable or safely arranged loads can be handled.
• Only loads that are within the truck’s rated capacity can be handled. (When you are using an attachment to handle a load, keep the load within the attachment’s rated capacity.)
• When lifting a load, place the forks (or other load engaging means) under the load as far as possible. Then, carefully tilt the mast backwards slightly to stabilize the load.
• Never tilt the load forward unless you are depositing it.
• Trucks need to have an overhead guard to protect the operator from the impact of falling packages, boxes, etc. (the guard does not need to withstand the impact of a falling capacity load). A backrest extension is needed when the load could fall rearward.
• Only safety platforms can be used to lift people.
• If the forklift needs to be used in a hazardous (classified) location, it must be approved for the hazard.
• When you get off of the forklift temporarily, and remain within 25 feet of it (and the forklift remains in your view), lower the forks, put the controls in neutral, and set the brakes. Block the wheels if the truck is on an incline. If you will be leaving the forklift 25 or more feet away (or anytime it will be out of your view), shut it off.
• When you park the forklift, make sure access to fire aisles, stairways, and fire equipment is kept clear.

Basic Rules for Safe Travel
Most accidents happen while the truck is traveling. Follow these rules to travel safely:
• Watch where you are going. Drive in reverse with the load trailing if the load obstructs your view. Keep a clear view of your path, and look in the direction you are traveling.
• Never drive up to anyone standing in front of a bench or other fixed object.
• Allow no riders. (If riders are authorized, the truck must provide them with a safe place to ride.)
• Always keep your arms or legs within the truck. Placing them between the uprights of the mast or outside the running lines of the truck is not allowed.
• Keep the load close to the ground while you drive. Raise the forks only as much as you need to so that you clear the road surface. Tilt the load back slightly to stabilize it against the backrest.
• Keep to the right where there is two-way traffic.
• Obey speed limits. Slow down for wet and slippery floors. Slow down for turns. Keep the forklift under control so you can stop it safely.
• Slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles and other locations where vision is obstructed.
• Maintain a safe distance of about three truck lengths from a truck that you are following.
• Do not pass a truck that is traveling in your same direction at intersections, blind spots, or other dangerous locations.
• Do not allow stunt driving or horseplay. And, avoid running over loose objects.
• Make sure you always have enough clearance under overhead installations (lights, pipes, sprinkler system, doorways, etc.)
• Stay within the rated capacity of dockboards and bridgeplates. Make sure they are secure before you drive on them. Keep a safe distance from the edge of any elevated dock, ramp, or platform.
• While using the forklift to load and unload trucks, trailers, or railroad cars, always set the brakes and use wheel blocks to keep the truck/trailer/rail car from moving. Use fixed jacks to support a semitrailer that is not coupled to a tractor. Check the floor for breaks and weaknesses before you drive the forklift inside. Do not use the truck to open or close freight doors.
• Follow special precautions from your employer when the forklift will be driven on slopes, across railroad tracks, and into elevators.

Truck-related and Workplace-related Information
Your employer will make sure you know about the following topics:
• Operating instructions, warnings, and precautions for the types of truck the operator will be authorized to operate.
• Differences between the truck and the automobile.
• Truck controls and instrumentation: where they are located, what they do, and how they work.
• Engine and motor operation.
• Steering and maneuvering.
• Visibility (including restrictions due to loading).
• Fork and attachment adaptation, operation, and use limitations.
• Vehicle capacity.
• Vehicle stability.
• Any vehicle inspection and maintenance that the operator will be required to perform.
• Refueling and/or charging and recharging of batteries.
• Operating limitations.
• Any other operating instructions, warnings, or precautions listed in the operator’s manual for the types of vehicle that the employee is being trained to operate.
• Surface conditions where the vehicle will be operated.
• Composition of loads to be carried and load stability.
• Load manipulation, stacking, and unstacking.
• Pedestrian traffic in areas where the vehicle will be operated.
• Narrow aisles and other restricted places where the vehicle will be operated.
• Hazardous (classified) locations where the vehicle will be operated.
• Ramps and other sloped surfaces that could affect the vehicle’s stability.
• Closed environments and other areas where insufficient ventilation or poor vehicle maintenance could cause a buildup of carbon monoxide or diesel exhaust.
• Other unique or potentially hazardous environmental conditions in the workplace that could affect safe operation.

How to Perform a Safety Check
Proper maintenance helps keep forklifts operating safely. Inspect the forklift for damage, defects, and unusual conditions. A safety check must be performed before operating the forklift each day (and, check it after each shift when it is used round-the-clock). Consider these items:
• The fork pins and stops must be in place.
• All cowling and body parts must not be broken, loose, or missing.
• Check the fuel level, crankcase oil level, radiator fluid level, hydraulic fluid level, and the battery electrolyte level. Look for any leaks (check under the truck). Never use an open flame to help you see fluid levels.
• Check all belts, hoses, tires, etc. for damage or excessive wear.
• Check the operation of the brakes, steering, lift and tilt controls, hour meter, lights, and horn.
• If at any time a powered industrial truck is found to be in need of repair, defective, or in any way unsafe, the truck is to be taken out of service until it is restored to a safe condition.
• Truck repairs must be made by an authorized person. Before repairs are made to the electrical system, the truck’s battery must be disconnected.
• Any vehicle that emits hazardous sparks or flames from the exhaust system must be immediately removed from service.
• Forklifts that have a leak in the fuel system may not be operated until the leak is repaired.
• When a part of a forklift is found to be in excess of its normal operating temperature (creating a hazardous condition), the forklift must be removed from service until the cause for the overheating has been eliminated.
• Water mufflers on industrial trucks must be checked daily or often enough to keep them adequately filled.
• Flames, sparks, or electric arcs are to be prevented in battery charging areas. Smoking is not allowed. Tools and other metallic objects are to be kept away from the top of uncovered batteries.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com