Forklift Safety Anna Fretheim ENV H 462, Winter 2012

Presentation overview Forklift Safety Statistics Forklift Definition and Types How Forklifts Work Forklift Safety Regulations (WAC)

Forklift safety matters Fatal Accident Type % Crushed by vehicle tipping over 42% Crushed between vehicle and a surface 25% Crushed between two vehicles 11% Struck or run over by a forklift 10% Struck by falling material 8% Fall from platform on the forks 4% Forklifts are widely used Every year in U.S.: 35,000 serious injuries, 62,000 non-serious injuries, 85 fatalities OSHA estimate: 11% of all forklifts are involved in accidents every year 90% of forklifts will be involved in some type of accident during their career

Forklift safety matters 2007-2009 5 most common citations by L & I safety inspectors involving forklifts: Lack of training No seatbelt or not using seatbelt No inspection of the forklift for defects Modification of forklift without manufacturer’s approval No nameplate or unreadable nameplate

What is a forklift?

What is a forklift? Forklifts fall under the definition of Powered Industrial Trucks (PITs) PIT: Mobile, power-driven vehicle used to carry, push, pull, lift, stack, or tier material Powered industrial trucks include: Platform lift trucks Motorized hand trucks

What isn’t a pit? Farm Vehicles Earth Moving Vehicles

Types of forklifts Diesel powered Electrically powered Gasoline powered Liquid Petroleum powered (most common)

Types of forklifts Can have additional safeguards to the exhaust, fuel, and electrical systems Prevent emission of hazardous sparks Limit surface temperatures Allow them to be used in hazardous conditions (i.e. flammable dusts/vapors) Consider location’s hazard level to decide which to use

How do forklifts work? Forks in front of trucks lift loads Triangle of stability Formed by front wheels and rear axel As long as the center of gravity remains within the stability triangle, the truck will not tip over

How do forklifts work? Balances its load with counterweight Front wheels act as fulcrum When forklift lifts load, center of gravity shifts forward and moves upward If it shifts outside of the triangle, the forklift will fall

Forklift safety Codes: WAC 296-863

What can make a forklift dangerous? Steers from the rear, making it swing wide Carries heavy loads Can have reduced visibility Masts and loads Can have a high center of gravity (turning over) Very heavy Complicated controls

863-200: Design, construction, and equipment

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION 863-200: DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, AND EQUIPMENT If you own a forklift, it must meet ANSI design and construction requirements If you want to modify the forklift, get written approval from manufacturer Forklift must be labeled clearly to indicate type, weight, load capacity, modifications, and if it’s approved for hazardous conditions i

OVERHEAD GUARD 863-200: DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, AND EQUIPMENT Must have overhead guards It isn’t intended to withstand the impact of the forklift’s maximum capacity load though

863-300: inspection, repair, maintenance and servicing

Safe working condition 863-300: INSPECTION, REPAIR, MAINTENANCE, SERVICING Must be kept in safe working condition Do not use forklifts with following conditions Leak in fuel system Exhaust system emitting sparks/flames Abnormally hot part Keep them Clean Free of excess lint, oil, and grease

Daily inspections 863-300: INSPECTION, REPAIR, MAINTENANCE, SERVICING Inspect the forklift daily or after each shift if used continuously Fluid levels Defects Tire pressure & quality Forks condition Nameplates in place and legible Safety devices working properly Report and correct any deficiencies noticed Repairs must be made by authorized persons

Fueling 863-300: INSPECTION, REPAIR, MAINTENANCE, SERVICING Turn off engine Avoid spilling fuel No open flames!

Battery charging 863-300: INSPECTION, REPAIR, MAINTENANCE, SERVICING Specific areas for battery charging installations (NO SMOKING) There must be facilities for : Water for flushing and neutralizing spilled electrolyte from area and from eyes (eyewash) Fire protection Adequate ventilation (for hydrogen gas) Dangers: burns from battery acid, fire from hydrogen gas If handling battery acid, wear PPE

863-400: Operations

18+ TO OPERATE

Safe driving 863-400: TRUCK OPERATIONS Use seatbelts Never let people pass under raised forks No unauthorized persons can ride No stunt driving or horseplay Don’t drive the truck up to anyone in front of a fixed object! Make sure there’s enough room to operate forklift

Safe driving 863-400: TRUCK OPERATIONS Obey all traffic regulations Keep a distance of 3 truck lengths from truck ahead Keep a safe distance from the edge of ramps, platforms, and docks Drive slowly on wet floors Slow turning speed Watch for pedestrians!

Handle loads safely 863-400: TRUCK OPERATIONS Make sure loads are within rated capacity Put forks under load as far as possible Tilt forks forwards to pick up or put down load When carrying load, tilt forks backwards If the load obstructs your view, travel backwards and with a spotter

Handle loads safely 863-400: TRUCK OPERATIONS Do not travel with a raised load

Slopes 863-400: TRUCK OPERATIONS When on a slope (>10%), the load always faces upwards (so you drive backwards going down) If no load, forks face downwards

Unattended 863-400: TRUCK OPERATIONS Unattended = 25 or more feet away (or when not in view) Unattended trucks: Fork lowered Controls neutralized Power off Brakes set

Elevators 863-400: TRUCK OPERATIONS If using an elevator: Approach it slowly Enter it squarely Turn off power Neutralize controls Set the brakes

Dockboards 863-400: TRUCK OPERATIONS Do not overload them (check their capacity) Secure them first Drive over them very slowly http://medlinramps.com/equipment-products/dockboards/

Loading truck trailers and railroad cars 863-400: TRUCK OPERATIONS Make sure flooring can handle load, check for weaknesses Set breaks, use wheel stops Use horn or warning lights when entering or exiting OSHA

Carbon monoxide 863-400: TRUCK OPERATIONS Propane, gasoline, and diesel powered forklifts produce carbon monoxide Without enough fresh air ventilation, CO poisoning can occur Vey common Severe nausea, headache If forklifts are used indoors, they must be tested for CO emission periodically and get tune-ups

Tipping 863-400: TRUCK OPERATIONS How can a forklift tip over? Load’s too heavy Driving too fast around a corner Driving off edge of platform/ramp Driving indoor forklift outdoors Driving on an incline

What to do if forklift tips 863-400: TRUCK OPERATIONS If forklift tips over Keep arms and legs inside Hold on to steering wheel Lean away from direction of fall Don’t jump!

Lifting people 863-400: TRUCK OPERATIONS Lifting people Only lift workers if you have the proper installations to do so Must have guardrails & toeboards Do not move with workers on platform

OR PAY THE CONSEQUENCES Remember: be safe

Thank you! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SScjyNBZ8vw