Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 1 Forklift Safety

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 2 Forklift fatalities and injuries 100 employees killed, 95,000 injured annually Main offender: Tipovers Causes: hazardous driving, unbalanced loads Other dangers: Struck-bys, falls and maintenance issues

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 3 Driving safe: Forklifts vs. cars Forklifts: Can weigh more than a car Have more complicated controls Steer differently Are less stable and more likely to tip over

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 4 Before you drive: Inspect the lift Examine daily, or after each shift Check the structure: cage, overhead guard, forks, tires, leaks Mechanisms: battery, horns, warning lights, brakes, clutch, gauges Control: Forward and reverse steering, hydraulic levers

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 5 Safety during operation Observe gauges while driving: - Engine temps - Amperes - Oil pressure - Fuel/battery power Remove from service in event of: - Mechanical breakdown - Fire - Overheating - Leakage

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 6 Loading a forklift Potential problems to watch out for: –Damaged pallet –Unsecured load –Pathway not cleared –Load capacity exceeds height or weight requirements

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 7 Picking Up a Load Center the forks and apply the hand brake before lifting Slowly reverse from the stacks Lower the forks when you’re ready to travel Take it slow!

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 8 Traveling with a load Tilt load backward Lower to 6 inches above ground –Too high: The load becomes unstable –Too low: The forks could strike the ground Keep it slow – 5 mph –3 forklift lengths behind another vehicle –Honk horn to warn others –Pedestrians have right of way

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 9 In case of a tipover Stay in the cabin – don’t try to jump out. Always keep seat belt fastened Grip the steering wheel tightly Brace feet against the floor Lean forward and away from the tipover

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 10 Unloading and stacking Tips for unloading: –Set brake after lowering load –Tilt mast forward to level load –Back away slowly and smoothly Tips for stacking: –Straight, centered and squared –Stagger top tier –Don’t dislodge other pallets in stack

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 11 Stopping, parking and shutting down Don’t block emergency areas Set forks flat Put controls in neutral Shut off engines Set brakes Block wheels if on an incline

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 12 Lifting other workers If using a platform attachment, treat it like a load, and: –Use guardrails –PPE and fall protection for workers –Emergency shutoff Additional training needed for each attachment

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 13 The workplace environment Potential hazards: –Problem surfaces –Ramps and inclines –Pedestrians –Enclosed spaces

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 14 Problem Surfaces Oil spots, wet spots, obstructions, holes Stay safe by: –Inspecting your route –Avoiding slick surfaces –Driving cautiously –Spreading absorbent material

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 15 Ramps and Inclines Make sure tires are suited for the surface Empty load: Go up incline in reverse; go down the incline forward Full load: Go up incline forward; go down the incline in reverse Never turn on an incline

Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 16 Pedestrian Traffic Bystanders are often injured in forklift accidents For drivers: - Walk route first - Sound horn at corners - Use alarms when in reverse - Get a spotter Pedestrians: - Stand clear - NEVER walk under a load

Enclosed Spaces Indoor use increases air quality hazards Shut engine off inside confined areas Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning: –Headache, nausea, dizziness, sore throat –Irregular heart rate, drowsiness, difficulty breathing Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 17

Summary Safe driving prevents injuries and fatalities, including tipovers and struck-by accidents Pre-driving inspections, stable loads, and cautious driving and parking will protect drivers and bystanders Use extra caution to cope with the work environment’s hazards: slick surfaces, inclines, pedestrian traffic and enclosed spaces Copyright  Progressive Business Publications 18