Powered Industrial Trucks Safe Operations

Classes of Commonly-Used Powered Industrial Trucks The Industrial Truck Association has placed powered industrial trucks into 7 classes. Class I - Electric motor rider trucks Class II - Electric motor narrow aisle trucks Class III - Electric motor hand trucks or hand/rider trucks Class IV - Internal combustion engine trucks (solid/cushion tires) Class V - Internal combustion engine trucks (pneumatic tires) Class VI - Electric and internal combustion engine tractors Class VII - Rough terrain forklift trucks

Unique Characteristics of Powered Industrial Trucks Each type of powered industrial truck has its own unique characteristics and some inherent hazards. To be effective, training must address the unique characteristics of the type of vehicle the employee is being trained to operate.

... truck controls and handling are different Forklift Training You must also have hands-on training on the specific truck you will be operating ... truck controls and handling are different

Powered Industrial Trucks Forklifts are extremely useful in a variety of workplaces, but there is great risk of property damage, injury or death if you: are not trained on forklift safety - are not familiar with the specific forklift vehicle - operate the forklift in an unsafe manner - operate a forklift with a defect or missing parts Because the cause of so many forklift accidents is lack of proper training, this training is required by L & I regulations for any person who will using a forklift.

Forklift accident statistics 85 to 100 workers in the U.S. are killed every year in forklift accidents. Fatal Accident Type Per Cent Crushed by vehicle tipping over 42% Crushed between vehicle and a surface 25% Crushed between two vehicles 11% Struck or run over by a forklift 10% Struck by falling material 8% Fall from platform on the forks 4% Approximately 35,000 serious injuries and 62,000 non-serious injuries involving forklifts occur in the United States every year. OSHA estimates 11% of all forklifts are involved in accidents every year.

Common Engineering Principles Front FORKLIFT Steering Axle DIFERENCES The steering axle is in the back It has only three support points It´s narrower The CG area is smaller Back Front CAR Steering Axle DIFERENCES The steering axle is in front It has four support points Its wider The CG area is larger Back

Differences Pivot point AUTOMOBILE FORKLIFT

Center of Gravity How the Center of Gravity (CG) moves: Without load With load, the CG moves forward With load raised, the CG moves upward With load raised and mast leaning forward, the CG moves forward

V.C.O.G. Combined Center of Gravity C.C.O.G. L.C.O.G. Vehicle center of Gravity ( Unloaded) V.C.O.G. Combined Center of Gravity C.C.O.G. Load Center Of Gravity L.C.O.G. 6,000 LB LOAD C.O.G. 4.000 LB TRUCK VECHICLE 4,000 LB LOAD C.O.G. 4.000 LB TRUCK VECHICLE FULCRUM POINT

Handling and Moving Loads Check the Capacity Plate to be sure the forklift can handle the load Check the load for weight and stability Weight Type Load capacity This forklift is a propane (LP) powered forklift, weighing 8680 lbs. with a lifting capacity of up to 4500 lbs.

Load Position The same 4500 pounds weight loaded properly will exceed the rated capacity of 4500 pounds if the rectangular box is positioned lengthwise . Forklifts are designed to carry a capacity load at a standard load center, commonly 24 inches Load weight, weight distribution, size, shape, and position are key factors affecting the stability of the forklift.

Safe Operation Only trained and authorized personnel are allowed to operate Always keep all body parts inside the running lines of vehicle. Always wait until vehicle comes to a complete stop before dismounting. Start and stop vehicles slowly and smoothly

Operating the Forklift Know locations and functions of all controls and gauges Be aware of what is going on around you Be aware of potential problems with the forklift Be sure path of travel is free from hazards Traveling speed in doors should not be any faster than a quick walking pace

Safe Forklift Operations Keep hands, arms, head and legs inside the running lines or roll-over protection structure Never raise people on the forks Always sound your horn at intersections Be aware of overhead obstructions

Keep the load against the backrest (mast) as much as possible. Traveling Keep the load against the backrest (mast) as much as possible. When traveling on level surfaces the forks should not be raised more than about 4”-6” from the floor or ground. When on unlevel surfaces, the forks should not be raised any higher than necessary to clear the ground. Travel should be smooth, slow, cautious and the operator must always look in the direction of travel before beginning to move. Forklifts must never be driven up to someone standing in front of a bench or other fixed object Read the slide

Traveling Always look in the direction of travel When moving, the mast must not be raised Sound the horn Operate at safe speeds Check clearance under overhead installations I. Speaker’s Notes: Remember to always look behind you before backing up. The cage is there to protect your body. Many operators have a bad habit of moving while raising or lowering a load. This can cause an unstable situation and a possible tipover. Sound the horn at corners, crossing aisles, near doorways, etc. A safe speed is a speed at which you can quickly and easily stop if a pedestrian steps out in front of you. Remember, the forklift steers from the rear, so be careful when turning because the rear end swings wide. Watch for overhead installations when lifting your load.

Operating Speeds Hazards associated with operating speeds include: Tipovers caused by driving too fast Collision with pedestrians, other vehicles, or objects when changing directions Falling loads following a collision Collisions may occur when: Approaching too fast Turning too rapidly Failing to slow for wet or slippery conditions

Driving on an incline Always drive with the load on the uphill side - go backwards driving down the incline and frontwards going up the incline to prevent tipping or losing control of the forklift. If no load on the forklifts, do the opposite with forks pointing down the ramp

Safe Forklift Operations Use lights when working in trailer Make sure trailer wheels are chocked When parking a forklift Do not block aisles, doorways, fire exits Do not park in travelways or work locations Lower forks to the floor – do not leave trip hazards

Forklift Attachments Forklifts can have a variety of attachments which affect their performance and use. The load capacity of the forklift is reduced by the weight of the attachment. The attachment must be approved by the forklift manufacturer. Be sure you know how to use the specific attachment on the forklift you will be operating.

Surface Conditions Loading Docks Slippery Conditions: Ice, Water Stop and remove any obstruction, pieces of broken pallets or debris.

Yield right of way to pedestrians. Pedestrian Traffic Yield right of way to pedestrians. When a person or group of people walk across your planned route: Stop traveling Wait until the pedestrians pass by Proceed cautiously through any congested area

Operator must do all of the following prior to starting a forklift: Truck Inspections Perform pre-start visual check with keys off Perform operational check with engine running  Determine if forklift is safe to operate Complete required documentation Lock out unsafe lifts as determined in a pre-operation inspection Operator must do all of the following prior to starting a forklift:

Report All Defects Remove from service any truck not in a safe operating condition Immediately report all defects Delaying needed maintenance causes breakdowns and injuries Examine industrial trucks before placing in service Where industrial trucks are used on a round-the-clock basis, inspect before each shift Inspect each vehicle before use

Safe Operations of Forklifts Always have control of your equipment and focus on preventing any type of unsafe conditions. Safety benefits everyone, but most importantly…You! QUESTIONS?