Forklift Safety

Introduction Driving a forklift is a serious responsibility. It is generally more difficult than driving a car.

Introduction Forklifts are less stable due to the 3 points of suspension versus an automobile’s 4 point suspension.

Introduction The back wheels do the turning as opposed to an automobile’s front wheels.

Introduction Steering requires greater judgement and operating skills.

Introduction Traffic patterns are not as uniform and predictable when driving a forklift as when driving an automobile.

Introduction A fully loaded forklift can weigh hundreds or even thousands of pounds more than an automobile.

Types of Forklifts Forklifts are classified by the 4 types of power sources used: Gasoline Diesel Liquid Petroleum Electrical

Types of Forklifts Forklifts are categorized by nationally recognized testing laboratories into 11 different designations. The designation is then labeled on each forklift.

Types of Forklifts It is important to know the designation on the forklift you work with because it may not be compatible with the atmosphere in your work area.

Pre-Operation Inspection A pre-operation inspection of the forklift is required at the beginning of each shift it is used. This is important because a mechanical breakdown or malfunction of a forklift during operation could create severe consequences for both you and your co-workers.

Pre-Operation Inspection The pre-operation inspection should be conducted with a written check list. At the end of the inspection, the check list should be signed, dated and filed with your supervisor.

Pre-Operation Inspection NEVER operate a forklift that does not pass inspection.

Hazards in your Environment You can prevent forklift accidents by being aware of the hazards in your work environment before operating a forklift.

Hazards in your Environment Hazards could include: Potholes Pedestrian Traffic Narrow Aisle Ways Overhead Obstructions Wet, Oily, or Rough Surfaces Other Equipment in the Area

Hazards in your Environment Good housekeeping is everyone’s responsibility. It is important for safe operation of forklifts. A clean work environment reduces the potential hazards of any work area.

Hazards in your Environment As a forklift operator, it is your responsibility NOT to block electrical panels, fire exits, emergency stop buttons, or aisle ways with materials.

Hazards in your Environment Know the chemical characteristics of the substances you are moving. Are they stable, reactive or flammable?

Hazards in your Environment You should also be aware of potential atmospheric hazards in your environment. For instance, carbon monoxide from a forklift’s internal combustion engine can be very hazardous in enclosed or non-ventilated spaces.

Maintaining Stability Bottom view of forklift’s 3 point suspension, which forms the stability triangle.

Maintaining Stability The center of gravity of a forklift is within the triangle. When the center of gravity moves outside the stability triangle, the forklift is unstable and could tip over.

Maintaining Stability One of the most important facts you need to know about your forklift is how much it can safely lift. This weight is listed as the Load Capacity on the manufacture’s data plate.

Maintaining Stability The load capacity for a forklift varies for each load depending on: Where the Load Center is The Height You Plan to Lift the Load Any Attachments Used

Maintaining Stability The farther the load center is from the fulcrum, the less stable the load.

Maintaining Stability A fulcrum is the point or support on which a lever turns. On a seesaw, the fulcrum is the center.

Maintaining Stability On a forklift, the fulcrum is the front wheels.

Maintaining Stability The closer the load is moved to the fulcrum, the more the forklift is able to lift. This is why you should use caution when lifting unbalanced loads.

Proper Load Handling Proper load handling and smooth operation of a forklift are essential to maintaining your forklift’s stability and preventing accidents from occurring.

Proper Load Handling Before lifting a load: make sure the load is within the load capacity of the vehicle the load should be properly stacked and secure the forks should be spread as wide as possible for even distribution of weight insert the forks far enough to ensure the load is stable

Proper Load Handling When travelling with a load: travel with the load just high enough to clear any potential hazards if the load blocks your vision travel in reverse always keep your arms, legs, and head inside the confines of the forklift

Proper Load Handling When setting a load: never raise the forks to stack a load until the forklift is properly positioned line the load up with its intended location allow 2-3 inches of clearance at the sides and back of the load level the forks slowly move forward until load is in place lower the load

Safe Driving Skills Forklift operators often work in an environment with no clear traffic patterns. That’s why it is important that you follow safe driving skills when operating a forklift.

Safe Driving Skills Pedestrians be aware of pedestrians and communicate your intentions sound your horn whenever your vision is blocked give pedestrians the right-of-way never assume a pedestrian has heard your horn not all pedestrians may be aware of the rules

Safe Driving Skills Speed travel only as fast as conditions allow under ideal conditions, it takes a forklift traveling at 10 miles per hour about 22 feet to come to a complete stop

Safe Driving Skills Making Turns stay on the inside of corners when turning slow down to a safe speed and turn in a smooth, sweeping motion at a moderate and even pace sound your horn when turning blind corners if your facility has convex mirrors, use them to check for pedestrians and traffic before turning corners

Safe Driving Skills Behind the Forklift be aware of people moving behind the forklift when a forklift turns, the rear end swings out and a could accidentally run over a person’s foot most forklift accidents are caused when a forklift runs over a pedestrian’s foot

Safe Driving Skills Between the Forklift and a Hard Surface Never let anyone get between the forklift and a hard surface including walls, pillars, and stacked materials.

Safe Driving Skills Railroad Tracks When crossing a railroad track, slow down and cross on a diagonal.

Safe Driving Skills Inclines When traveling up or down an incline or ramp, always travel with the load pointing up.

Safe Driving Skills Loading Docks make sure docks are clear of any obstructions and are not oily or wet check that the dock plate is secure before driving over it do not exceed the rated weight capacity of the dock do not make any unnecessary movements on the dock travel slowly in and out

Safe Driving Skills Trailers set the vehicle brakes on the trailer and properly chock both wheels Do Not rely on someone else to secure the trailer make sure your load has proper overhead clearance check for obstructions and loose objects on the floor

Safe Driving Skills Parking always park your forklift in its designated area with the forks down whenever the forklift will be out of your sight or you will be 25 feet or more away from your forklift, you must lower the forks, place the controls in neutral, set the brakes, and turn off the power Never allow an unauthorized person to use the forklift

Refueling Gas Powered Forklifts must be refueled in designated areas by trained, authorized personnel should be refueled outside before refueling turn engine off when finished, wipe off any spillage

Refueling LP Powered Forklifts changing LP tanks should only be performed by trained, authorized personnel in designated areas wear eye protection and the proper gloves when changing LP tanks make sure engine is off before changing LP tanks

Refueling Battery Changing only trained, authorized personnel working in designated areas can handle battery changing operations the area must be equipped with a means for flushing or neutralizing any spilled electrolyte ignition sources must be kept away at all times use only insulated tools when handling batteries turn of the ignition before attempting to change the battery

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