Forklift Safety Training Department of Risk Management 886-5862
OBJECTIVES Understand OSHA s forklift safety requirements and your facility s policies and procedures Understand the terms and concepts related to forklifts and other powered industrial trucks Understand basic safety precautions for driving in your facility Understand proper procedures for safe load handling Understand safety precautions for special situations, such as mechanical breakdowns and operations in hazardous environments
Forklift Basics Counterweight Capacities Plate Load Engaging Device Steering Wheels Driving Wheels
Fork Lift Daily Inspection OK Daily Forklift Checklist Not Ok Overhead Guard Hydraulic Cylinders Mast Assembly Lift Chains and Rollers Forks Tires Battery Check Hydraulic Fluid Gauges Steering Brakes Lights Horn Safety Seat
Forklift Driving Safety Precautions General Driving Issues Observe all traffic regulations that have been set up by your facility General Driving Look in the direction you are traveling Stay to the right and Pass on the right Issues Drive with the load as high as necessary to avoid ground obstructions Keep your head, hands, and feet out of the lift uprights Do not drive with wet or greasy hands or feet Always come to a complete stop before shifting gears Use horn only as a warning signal Horseplay and stunt driving are not allowed
Forklift Driving Safety Precautions Speed Always operate your vehicle at a speed that will allow it to stop in a safe manner SPEED Observe all authorized speed limits Sound your horn at cross aisles or any other obstructed location whether you know people are in the area or not Slow down when ascending or descending grades Minimize the pressure on dockboards or bridge plates by driving over them slowly You should always drive slowly when moving in tight areas such as narrow corridors or when entering an elevator Maintain a safe speed especially when moving backwards
Forklift Driving Safety Precautions General Guidelines Always check vehicle clearance before a turn Forklifts can make sharp turns in tight areas because of rear wheel steering GENERAL Always pass on the right of oncoming vehicles Always maintain a safe distance (three truck lengths) Do not pass other trucks at intersections, blind spots, or any other dangerous GUIDELINES location When approaching other vehicles at intersections always yield the right of way to the vehicle on the right Always maintain a safe distance from the edge Never use forklift for opening or closing freight doors on a trailer Turn off the vehicle if you will move 25 feet away from the vehicle or the vehicle will not be in view
Forklift Driving Safety Precautions People Pedestrians always have the right of way PEOPLE Never allow anyone to pass beneath the elevated portion of a truck at any time Never drive your vehicle up to a bench or fixed object Do not allow bystanders when stacking loads or when dealing with elevated loads Never allow anyone to hitch a ride on your vehicle or to ride the forklift
The Science of Load Handling Three Basic Limitations 1. A maximum load weight 2. A minimum load stability 3. A maximum lifting height based on load weight, stability and forklift design
The Science of Load Handling Two Basic Principles Fulcrum Point and Center of Gravity
The Science of Load Handling Fulcrum Point The fulcrum point is the point at which a lever pivots. The weight of your load is counterbalanced by a weight at the rear of the truck. Overloading your forklift can cause the vehicle to tip forward. FULCRUM POINT
The Science of Load Handling Center of Gravity The Center of Gravity is the single point about which an object is balanced. CENTER The center of gravity depends on the height of the object and the concentration of weight of the object. OF A load s center of gravity is: distance from the back or front of the fork and distance from the top edge of the fork The center of gravity always moves in the opposite direction of your movement. GRAVITY
Ten Steps to Forklift Safety to 1. Train the operator Ten Steps 2. Load and Unload Correctly 3. Learn the Rules for Batteries and Fuel Tanks FORK Safety LIFT 4. Make Routine Checks 5. Drive Safely 6. Don t Leave a Truck Unattended 7. Keep up With Repairs and Maintenance 8. Watch for Pedestrians 9. Watch Those Ramps, Too 10.Keep It Clean
That s All Folks Any Questions?