many industries use forklifts in numerous work settings
primarily to move materials
forklifts are important part of material handling
but when not
they could be very dangerous
each year in the united states nearly one hundred workers are killed and
another twenty thousand
are seriously injured
in forklift related incidence
these statistics indicated many workers and employers
are not using
or maybe unaware of safety procedures
and the proper use of forklifts
to reduce the risk of injury and death
for this reason it is imperative that all forklift operators receive periodic
training. This way
any bad habits developed
can be corrected quickly before they become part of the operators daily
routine
this video program is designed
to assist forklift trainers with their safety training efforts
and gives a brief overview of forklift training procedures and methods which
may be employed
It should be used in conjunction
with the more comprehensive written manual
"A Trader's Guide to Forklift Safety".
Cal/OSHA regulations
require that employers properly trained all of their forklift operators
to be safe and confident
forklift drivers.
This requirement is the filled by implementing the workplace safety
training program
in order to be compliant
the training must consist of a combination of three components.
Formal instruction
this portion
must consist of a lecture
video presentations
discussion with employees and the use of written materials or similar methods
practical training
this component
must include demonstrations by the trainer
as well as practical exercises performed by the forklift operator
Wokplace Evaluations
an evaluation of the forklift operators performance in the workplace
must be conducted.
All forklift safety training
should be based on the information specified in Cal/OSHA general industry
safety order 3668
this regulation provides information about forklift safety training
requirements
safety training program content and forklift certification requirements.
A
pre trip safety check must be completed each day before operating your
forklift
Cal/OSHA regulations mandates that a forklift must be checked
once per shift for safety deficiencies before it is operated
the safety check is an important
part of the forklift safety program
because it helps identify mechanical failures
this leads to fewer mechanically related forklift safety hazards
which may lead to less injuries to the forklift operator and other employees
prior to the safety check
the operators should review the manufactures forklift manual
to become familiar with the forklifts operating controls
and performance limitations
when conducting the safety check
a checklist should be used to document safety deficiencies and mechanical
problems
the checklist also serves as proof
that the safety check was performed
Use a checklist specific to your workplace to document the safety check
Be sure to give attention to the proper functioning of tires, horns,
lights, batteries,
controllers, brakes, steering mechanism cooling system and the lift system of
the forklift.
these safety checks
must be completed at least once per shift
when the checklist has been completed
it should be filed and maintained with other safety records
when a deficiency is identified
notify your supervisor immediately
so that it can be corrected
if the repairs on the fortlift cannot be made immediately
remove the forlift from service
this prevents others from unknowingly using the disabled lift
driving a forklift
is very different than operating a car
unlike a car the rear wheels are used to steer the fortlift
the center of gravity of the forklift is higher than a car
so the weight of the forklift is distributed differently
due to these factors, a sharp turn combined with too much speed
can cause a rollover accident.
Forklifts are also commonly operated on wet or smooth surfaces
which may be slippery
conditions such as these
may also lead to accidents if the fork lift operator is not working safely
securely fasten your seat belt at all times while operating the forklift
be sure to use the correct personal protective equipment for the job
and never allow passengers to ride on the forks' upper lifts for any reason
operate the forklift at a safe speed
even when there is little forklift or pedestrian traffic
when driving behind other forklifts maintain a safe distance of
approximately three trucklanes
and never pass at intersections or blind spots
slowdown
and sound the horn when approaching blind corners
and treat all cross aisles with caution
watch carefully for holes in the driving surface that could lead to an accident
many forklift drivers are injured
when they are run over by their own forklift
this occurs
when an operator exits the forklift before it has come to a complete stop
when exiting your forklift always come to a complete stop
lower the forks to the ground and set the parking brake
when leaving the forklift unattended set the parking brake bring the mast to the
vertical position lower the forks to the ground
turn the forklift off and remove the keys
a forklift is considered to be unattended when the driver travels more
than twenty five feet from the forklift
or when the forklift is out of the driver's sight according to Cal/OSHA
driving a forklift up or down inclines, ramps or hills presents special hazards
that forklift operators should be aware of
when ascending or descending inclines or ramps, forklift operators should
drive slowly with the load kept upgrade and load to the ground
on all grades keep the load slightly tilted back if necessary
never attempt to turn a forklift on an incline or ramp
it could affect the forklift's stability
and lead to a serious accident
Lifting and transporting loads
is an activity
that a forklift operator performs many times during the workday
for this reason
it is important to use safe procedures each time a lift is performed
the maximum load capacity and the load center of the forklift
must be posted on each forklift and the nameplate must be legible to the driver
before starting the lift
know the weight of the cargo
and make sure it is not beyond the rated lifting capacity of the forklift you
are operating
if the load you are trying to lift is too heavy for the forklift
the rear of the forklift will raise
this changes the forklift's center of gravity
and increases the risk of an accident
which could result in a serious injury
or cause damage to the forklift
each load should be stacked properly and the weight of the load should be evenly
distributed before attempting a lift
never left or transport a load that is leaking liquids or material
if the load is damaged contact your supervisor immediately
if the load being carried obstructs forward view
lift or lower the load
to the proper traveling height and drive with the load trailing. Keep all body parts within the riding part of the forklift