Risk Management Department Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Risk Management Department Forklift Safety April, 2008 Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Introduction to Forklift Safety Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Introduction to Forklift Safety Operating a forklift is an important job. So important that the federal government requires that all lift truck operators be trained and authorized by their organizations. OSHA regulation CFR1910.178 states: "Only trained and authorized operators shall be permitted to operate a powered industrial truck." Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Introduction to Forklift Safety Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Introduction to Forklift Safety This training - together with the training provided by your supervisor on the specific operation of the forklifts you will be authorized to use – will give you the knowledge to operate a forklift in a safe, professional manner. Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Introduction to Forklift Safety Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Introduction to Forklift Safety During this training, you will learn about: Hazards of forklift operation Forklift accident statistics Safe forklift operation Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Forklift Hazards Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Forklift Hazards Forklifts can be dangerous to untrained persons because they operate differently than other vehicles such as cars and trucks. Forklifts: Often weigh more than a car Have reduced visibility Often use rear-wheel steering Operate in a more complex traffic environment Can ride less smoothly due to tire types Are more sensitive to shifts in center of gravity Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Forklift Hazards Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Forklift Hazards There are two general categories of hazards associated with forklift operations: Hazards of the forklift itself Hazards of the environment Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Forklift Hazards Hazards of operating a forklift: Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Forklift Hazards Hazards of operating a forklift: Load capacity Lift Height Load stability Visibility Steering Speed Turning Refueling Maintenance Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Forklift Hazards Hazards of the environment: Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Forklift Hazards Hazards of the environment: Floors/Surfaces Pedestrians Obstacles Blind spots Narrow aisles Intersections Docks & trailers Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Forklift Hazards Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Forklift Hazards Not to mention hazards of the thought process! Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Accident Statistics Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Accident Statistics Every year, there are 680,400 accidents involving forklifts in the United States Of these, there are 90,000 injuries! Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Accident Statistics Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Accident Statistics These accidents break down as follows: Tip-overs: 25.3% Hit by forklift: 18.8% Hit by falling load: 14.4% Use of lift as elevator: 12.2% Lift falls off dock: 7% Improper maintenance: 6.1% Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Accident Statistics Forklift overturned: 24% Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Accident Statistics Forklift overturned: 24% Struck by falling loads: 17% Struck by other truck: 14% Fall from forklift: 14% Crushed by forklift: 11% Ran off loading dock: 8% Worker making repairs on forklift: 6% Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation There are several areas to consider to ensure safe forklift operations. These are: Stability and center of gravity Load capacity Driving Parking Inspection Refueling Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation 1. Stability and Center of Gravity Support points A, B & C form the stability triangle Center of gravity is the point at which load is concentrated If center of gravity remains inside the triangle, the truck won’t tip Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation 2. Load Capacity Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation 2. Load Capacity Check data plate Don’t exceed maximum: Load capacity Load center Lift height Changing the load center changes the load capacity Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation 2. Load Capacity Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation 2. Load Capacity Place heaviest load against back of forks Ensure loads are neatly stacked, stable, evenly distributed and secure Place forks under the load as far as possible Adjust forks to widest possible setting Tilt forks back for added stability Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation 3. Driving Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation 3. Driving Match speed to load and conditions Decrease speed at all corners and sound horn Watch for pedestrians and obey posted traffic signs Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation 3. Driving Safe driving Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation 3. Driving Safe driving Keep forks as low as possible; don’t drive with load raised Position forks to tilt back slightly If view is blocked, travel in reverse Watch for overhead obstructions Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation 3. Driving No Passengers Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation 3. Driving No Passengers No lifting people Use your seat belt Keep hands and feet inside of truck No standing under forks when raised If following, maintain 3 length distance No passing at intersections Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation 3. Driving Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation 3. Driving Be aware of: oil spots, wet spots, loose object or holes Avoid if possible: ice, mud, gravel, sand and soft dirt Make sure area you are driving over can support the weight of the truck and the load Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation 3. Driving Ramps & Inclines Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation 3. Driving Ramps & Inclines If empty: Drive in reverse up the incline Drive forward down the incline If loaded: Drive forward up the incline Drive in reverse down the incline Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation 3. Driving Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation 3. Driving Loading Docks & Trailers Be aware of the edges of loading docks Set brakes on trucks/trailers and choke wheels Inspect interiors Ensure that dock plate & interior surfaces can support weight Watch clearance Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation 4. Parking Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation 4. Parking Set forks flat on floor Place controls in neutral Shut off engines Set brakes Block wheels if on an incline Do not block emergency areas Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation 5. Inspection – pre- and post-trip: Hydraulics Uprights Forks Attachments Leaks Tires/wheels Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation 5. Inspection – pre- and post-trip: Brakes Steering Controls Lights & signals Engine Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation 5. Inspection – pre- and post-trip: Horn Fluid levels Battery Hour meter Report problems to your supervisor! Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation 6. Refueling Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation 6. Refueling Park in designated recharging/refueling area Ensure adequate ventilation Don’t smoke No open flames, sparks, or electric arcs nearby Have fire extinguisher nearby Use proper personal protective equipment Always check lines, wires, hoses for leaks Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation 6. Refueling – Recharging Electric Trucks Wear splash proof goggles and protective clothing Check electrolyte level before charging Keep tools and metallic objects away from battery top Do not pour water into acid Watch for spilled materials Ensure battery is secure Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation 6. Refueling – Gasoline or Diesel Trucks Turn off ignition and lights Make contact between spout and fill pipe before pouring Check for leaks Clean up any spills Make sure you use an approved container Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety Safe Forklift Operation 6. Refueling – Gasoline or Diesel Trucks Shut valve; let engine run until it stalls Turn off ignition and lights Check for leaks and damage to connections Wear protective clothing Remove empty tank and store it Install new tank securely Risk Management Department

Forklift Safety You are finished! Site Safety Teams 4/11/2017 Forklift Safety You are finished! You have finished the Forklift Safety training. Download the quiz from the link on the Risk Management Department website training page. Print the form and be sure to write your name, location and employee number in the spaces provided. Complete the ten questions and have your supervisor send it to the Risk Management office. Risk Management Department