Powered Industrial Trucks Copyright 2012 American Safety Management

Powered Industrial Trucks Copyright © 2012 American Safety Management Inc.

Why Does it Matter? • Approximately 100 fatalities and 36, 000 injuries each year • Of these, the largest group hurt is not the operators, but the workers • Being struck by a PIT usually results in a fatality

Why Does it Matter? • The highest cause of PIT accidents is operator inattention • OSHA estimates that with proper training & education employer cost savings of $135 million dollars and 9, 500 injuries • EVERYONE needs to know hazards and safety rules associated with PIT safety because ANYONE can be injured

Hazards Around Powered Industrial Trucks • Obstructed view from aisles, corners, etc. • Pinch points • Slippery floors • Falling objects • Fires from refueling/recharging • Greatest danger comes from getting struck by a PIT!!

Operator Rules • A check of following items shall be conducted by the operator before use each shift Ø Lights Ø Horn Ø Brakes Ø Leaks Ø Warning Beacon Ø Backup warning Alarm Ø Fire Extinguisher Ø Battery Ø Seatbelts

Operator Rules • Operators are instructed to report all accidents, regardless of fault & severity, to Safety or Area Coordinator • Remember, PIT more likely than car to tip over • PITs will travel no faster than 5 mph or faster than a normal walk • Drivers required to slow down for wet & slippery floors • Yield right of way to pedestrians • Do not drive up to person standing in front of fixed object • Each operator must be properly trained and certified and records must be kept of such training

Operator Rules • Secure all loads before moving the forklift • Slow down, stop, and sound horn at intersections or when view is obstructed • Never tow objects • No person is allowed to stand or pass under elevated portion of any truck, whether loaded or empty • Driver required to look in direction of, and keep clear view of path of travel • Passengers may not ride on any portion of a PIT • Do not place arms or legs between uprights of mast or outside running lines of the truck

What’s Wrong Here?

And Here’s What Happened…

Operator Rules • If more than 25 ft away or out of view at any distance (unattended), lift must be fully down, power off, controls neutralized, and brakes set • If unattended and on an incline, wheels must also be blocked • If within 25 ft of forklift and forklift is in view, lift should be fully lowered, controls neutralized, and brakes set

Operator Rules • Drive slower on all grades • If grade >10%, travel with load upgrade • Use load backrest extension to minimize possibility of load falling rearward • Aisles are to be maintained free from obstructions, marked, & wide enough (6’ min) for vehicle operation • Use an overhead guard to protect against light falling objects • Brakes of highway truck set and wheels chocked to prevent rolling while boarded by a PIT

Operator Rules • Always travel with the mast fully tilted back and the load as close to the floor as possible • Use fixed jacks whenever necessary to prevent trailers from upending during loading/unloading • Vehicles equipped with attachments shall be operated as partially loaded when not carrying loads • Elevated load is not tilted forward except when load is in deposition over rack or stack • Don’t refuel while engine is running or use open flame to check fuel level

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

And Here’s What Happened…

Operator Rules • Maintain a safe distance of approximately 3 truck lengths when following other vehicles • Don’t pass at intersections, blind spots, or any other time you have an obstructed view • If load obstructs forward view, you must travel with the load trailing (but do NOT tow load) • Always try to cross rail road tracks diagonally and never park closer than 8 ft to center of tracks • Stunt driving and horse play are not permitted • Dockboards, bridgeplates, and loading ramps should be properly secured and load rated

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

And Here’s What Happened…

If you are a Defense Contractor, be Particularly Careful!!

Pedestrian Do’s • Always keep alert for PIT activity • This means not only listening for horns and backup alarms, but actively tracking where PITs are and what they’re doing • Stay at a safe distance from PITs • Use walkways and stay behind barriers whenever possible

What’s Wrong Here?

And Here’s What Happened…

Pedestrian Do’s • Always look both ways before crossing aisles or intersection • Be extra cautious in high noise areas • Do NOT assume PIT operators see you • Always leave yourself a way out

Pedestrian Don’ts • Never assume you have right away or PIT will stop • Don’t distract driver • Don’t operate a PIT unless properly trained and certified for that vehicle • Don’t walk or stand under a lift

Pedestrian Don’ts • Don’t smoke in refueling/recharging areas • Don’t stand where you could be crushed or pinned • Never attempt to ride on PIT • Don’t be afraid to correct operators for unsafe acts or not following the rules (or report to your supervisor)

What to Remember • Pedestrians always have the right away, but NEVER assume PIT can see you and will stop • Operators should sound horn frequently to alert others to their presence • Always be mindful of your surroundings • EVERYONE needs to know operator rules and hazards associated with PITs because at any time anyone can be seriously hurt or worse…