Forklift Safety OMNI FACILITY SERVICES 1 Copyright 2006

Forklift Safety OMNI FACILITY SERVICES 1 Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

Injuries Caused by Forklifts l Usually caused by: – Operator unaware of surroundings – Don’t know what to do when in danger l Amount to 100 deaths per year l Over 36, 000 serious injuries per year l Twenty-five per cent of accidents caused by inadequate training OMNI FACILITY SERVICES 2 Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

Forklift Inspection l Three-part checklist l Structure: cage, overhead guard, forks, tires, leaks l Mechanisms: battery, horns, warning lights, brakes, seat brake, clutch, gauges l Control: forward and reverse steering, hydraulic levers OMNI FACILITY SERVICES 3 Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

Differences: Forklifts and Cars Compared to cars, forklifts: l Are heavier l Are less stable l Are steered by back wheels l Have a three-point suspension system l Use different controls l Must be used at lower speeds OMNI FACILITY SERVICES 4 Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

Be Aware of Surroundings l Ground conditions l Ramps and inclines l Pedestrians and coworkers l Narrow aisles and doorways OMNI FACILITY SERVICES 5 Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

Loading a Forklift Before loading, check: l Pallet is undamaged l Load has been secured l Area is clear of people and debris l Your total load capacity is equal to or greater than the load weight l Not to exceed load center balance OMNI FACILITY SERVICES 6 Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

Picking Up a Load When picking up a load remember to: l Center forks on load l Approach slowly and stop 12” from load l Place forks completely under load l Lift forks until load is engaged l Tilt mast back l Slowly reverse away from stacks OMNI FACILITY SERVICES l Lower the forks for travel 7 Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

Traveling With a Load l Tilt load backward l Lower the load to 6 inches above ground l Proceed slowly, 3 lengths behind others l Sound horn when vision is obstructed l Pedestrians and other vehicles have right of way OMNI FACILITY SERVICES 8 Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

Load Stability l Forklift stability – Fulcrum point – Counterweight – Load center – Center of gravity – Stability triangle l Longitudinal l Lateral l Dynamic OMNI FACILITY SERVICES 9 Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

Visibility l Beware of loads that block line of sight l Drive in reverse if load blocks front view l Face the direction you travel l Know edges of platforms and docks OMNI FACILITY SERVICES 10 Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

Unloading and Stacking l Tips for unloading: – Lower load to floor or stack – Tilt mast forward to level load – Slowly and smoothly back away l Tips for stacking: – Straight, centered and in a square – Stagger top tier OMNI – Don’t dislodge other pallets in stack FACILITY SERVICES 11 Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

Lifting Others with Forks Not recommended, but if necessary: l Use firmly secured safety platform with guardrail l Lifted worker should be able to shut off power l Protection from falling objects l Operator must tend to forklift l Guard in place between worker and mast OMNI FACILITY SERVICES 12 Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

Battery and Fueling l 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 l If uses fuel: – Check tank for damages and dents – Avoid spillage – Have adequate ventilation OMNI FACILITY SERVICES 13 Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

In Case of a Tip Over l Seat belt should always be securely attached l Stay in cabin, don’t try to jump out l Keep a tight grip on steering wheel l Keep feet braced against floor l Lean forward and away from tip over OMNI FACILITY SERVICES 14 Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications

Summary l Inspect forklift thoroughly and consistently l Environment affects operation l Carry load tilted backwards and low to ground l Face direction of travel going no faster than 5 mph l Use warning lights and horns l Never exceed maximum load capacity l With load: drive up and reverse down inclines l If you’re about to tip over, follow correct procedures OMNI FACILITY SERVICES 15 Copyright ã 2006 Progressive Business Publications