Copyright Progressive Business Publications Forklift Safety.

Copyright Progressive Business Publications

Forklift Safety


Injuries Caused by Forklifts

Usually caused by:– Operator unaware

of surroundings

– Don’t know what to do when in danger

Amount to 100 deaths per year

Over 36,000 serious injuries per year

Twenty-five per cent of accidents caused by inadequate training


Forklift Inspection

Three-part checklist

Structure: cage, overhead guard, forks, tires, leaks

Mechanisms: battery, horns, warning lights, brakes, seat brake, clutch, gauges

Control: forward and reverse steering, hydraulic levers


Differences: Forklifts and Cars

Compared to cars, forklifts:

Are heavier

Are less stable

Are steered by back wheels

Have a three-point suspension system

Use different controls

Must be used at lower speeds


Be Aware of Surroundings

Ground conditions

Ramps and inclines

Pedestrians and coworkers

Narrow aisles and doorways


Loading a Forklift

Before loading, check:

Pallet is undamaged

Load has been secured

Area is clear of people and debris

Your total load capacity is equal to or greater than the load weight

Not to exceed load center balance


Picking Up a Load

When picking up a load remember to:

Center forks on load

Approach slowly and stop 12” from load

Place forks completely under load

Lift forks until load is engaged

Tilt mast back

Slowly reverse away from stacks

Lower the forks for travel


Traveling With a Load

Tilt load backward

Lower the load to 6 inches above ground

Proceed slowly, 3 lengths behind others

Sound horn when vision is obstructed

Pedestrians and other vehicles have right of way


Load Stability

Forklift stability– Fulcrum point

– Counterweight

– Load center

– Center of gravity

– Stability triangle

Longitudinal

Lateral

Dynamic


Visibility

Beware of loads that block line of sight

Drive in reverse if load blocks front view

Face the direction you travel

Know edges of platforms and docks


Unloading and Stacking

Tips for unloading:– Lower load to

floor or stack

– Tilt mast forward to level load

– Slowly and smoothly back away

Tips for stacking:– Straight, centered and in a square

– Stagger top tier

– Don’t dislodge other pallets in stack


Lifting Others with Forks

Not recommended, but if necessary:

Use firmly secured safety platform with guardrail

Lifted worker should be able to shut off power

Protection from falling objects

Operator must tend to forklift

Guard in place between worker and mast


Battery and Fueling

If forklift uses a battery: – Must be charged in designated area

– Charging device must be protected from damage

– Keep metal tools away from uncovered battery

If uses fuel:– Check tank for damages and dents

– Avoid spillage

– Have adequate ventilation


In Case of a Tip Over

Seat belt should always be securely attached

Stay in cabin, don’t try to jump out

Keep a tight grip on steering wheel

Keep feet braced against floor

Lean forward and away from tip over


Summary

Inspect forklift thoroughly and consistently

Environment affects operation

Carry load tilted backwards and low to ground

Face direction of travel going no faster than 5 mph

Use warning lights and horns

Never exceed maximum load capacity

With load: drive up and reverse down inclines

If you’re about to tip over, follow correct procedures

Copyright Progressive Business Publications Forklift Safety.

Documents

Transcript of Copyright Progressive Business Publications Forklift Safety.