Forklift Safety

Forklift Fatalities, 1992-2000

120

114
105

86

89

95

90

96

75

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Job Related Fatalities Involving Forklifts

Overview

Operators must be trained and
evaluated

Only drive the types of trucks on
which
you have
been
trained

Checklist for Visual Inspection:

Floor-clear of objects that could cause an accident.
No obstruction overhead.
Note any nearby objects to avoid as you drive away.
Fire extinguisher present and charged.
Engine oil level, fuel level, radiator water level.
Battery fully charged and securely in place.
Cables for exposed wires.
Battery plug connections not loose, worn or dirty.
Vent caps not clogged.
Electrolyte level in cells.
Bolts, nuts, guards, chains, or hydraulic hose reels not damaged,
missing or loose.
Wheels and tires not worn or damaged.
Forks not bent or cracked.
Chain anchor pins not worn, loose or bent.
No damp spots or drips that may indicate a leak.

Hazard???


It is
completely
unacceptable
to raise any
one on the
forks.

General Requirements

PPE Helmet
and Safety
Shoes.

--

Use horn when approaching

corners.


Fasten Seat Belt Before Driving

If the load blocks your vision, travel

slowly in reverse.

Parking
When leaving the lift truck
unattended, secure it by
setting the brakes,
lowering the forks or load
to the floor, neutralizing
the controls, and turning
off the motor switch and
remove key.

Forklift will be considered

unattended if the driver is
away by more than 25 ft.)
25


Do not block
forklift traffic
roads.

Yellow lines.

Never Place any part of your Body

Outside The Vehicle Confines

Keep the forks 4

to 8 inches
above the
ground to avoid
potential ground
hazards.


20 - 10


Ensure
clearance
height
limits.


Signs

Clearance Limits
Clearance signs must be
provided


Not allowed to have
passengers.

Maximum speed indoor is 8
km/hour and 20 km / hour
= outdoor.
8 /
= 20/

Fulcrum Point

Not to
exceed the
rated loads

(A + B) X C = INCH POUNDS
C: Trucks Capacity in Pounds

EXAMPLE:
You operate a lift truck that is rated at
5000 lbs. at 24 LC.
You must lift a load with an LC of 36
The distance from the center of the
front wheels to the face of the forks is
18.
What is the maximum weight you can
lift?

To solve the problem, you must

break it into two steps:
Step One:
You must first
determine the
maximum Inch
Pound Capacity
of the truck.
(18 + 24) X 5000
= 210,000 Inch
Pounds

Step Two:
Using the equation
where A = 18 and B
= 36 and Inch Pound
= 210,000 Inch
Pound.
(18 + 36) X ? =
210,000 Inch Pound.
(54) X ? = 210,000
Lbs = 210,000 / 54
= 3888 lbs.

FUELING

Only trained personnel

should refuel forklifts.
Refueling area should
have appropriate fire
warnings and
emergency equipment
available.
Turn off forklift and set
brake and never smoke
around the forklift.
Start fueling and clean
up spills quickly.


Truck Loading

Loading and Unloading

Trucks and
Railcars
Wheel chocks
Set parking brake

Rail stops

Charging Batteries
Batteries to be Re-Charged
in Well Ventilated Areas
No Smoking
PPE (Goggles + Gloves).