Forklift Safety Training for the Sawmill Industry

“All Were Preventable” Fork Lift Accidents OSHA estimates that there are 680,400 accidents each year. Of those reported nearly half suffered some type of injury. Over 100 resulted in death. “All Were Preventable”

Overview Operators training requirements Sawmill Lift Trucks Forklift Engineering Principles Basic Operating Rules Maintenance and Pre-start Safety Inspection Refueling Operations Forklift Safety Rules

Training requirements for Operators Employees must be trained and certified prior to operation lift trucks. Training will be provided as formal instruction such as lectures computer learning, videotape, or written material. Employee must be tested on knowledge and perform practical exercises using lift truck prior to certification.

Sample only Forklift Drivers Evaluation COMPANY:_________________________________________________ Make ________ Model ________ EMPLOYEE: _______________________________________________ YES NO 1. TESTING - JOB KNOWLEDGE ______ ______ 2. OPERATOR DAILY INSPECTION ______ ______ 3. SAFE REFUELING PROCEDURES ______ ______ 4. CORRECT STARTING/STOPPING ______ ______ 5. CORRECT BACKING PROCEDURES ______ ______ 6. CORRECT STACKING/UNSTACKING ______ ______ 7. CORRECT PARKING PROCEDURES ______ ______ 8. OVERALL DRIVING OPERATION ______ ______ INSTRUCTOR COMMENTS: ____________________________________________________________ TRAINEE SIGNATURE: _____________________ TRAINER SIGNATURE: _____________________________ Sample only

Knowledge Test Sample only COMPANY NAME:___________________________________________ NAME: ________________________________________________ DATE:___________ PLEASE CIRCLE THE CORRECT ANSWER 1. T F - Only trained and authorized operators shall be permitted to operate a powered industrial truck. 2. T F - When loads are raised and tilted forward, you change the center of gravity. 3. T F - Arms, legs, and other body parts should extend outside the overhead guard protection only when the truck is unloaded. 4. T F - The maximum weight of the load that your truck is allowed to carry is listed on the data plate. 5. T F - If a load is not carried as far back on the forks as possible, some load capacity can be lost. 6. T F - You can turn or stop a forklift suddenly if you are not carrying a load. 7. T F - Keep the forks as low as possible when traveling with or without a load. 8. T F - When traveling down a ramp or incline with a load, keep the counterweight upgraded. 9. T F - When following another lift truck, leave at least 3 truck lengths to allow room for stopping. 10. T F - Before entering a trailer, check to be sure that the trailer wheels have been properly chalked.

FORKLIFT TRAINING CERTIFICATE Sample only Company: _________________________________________ Date: ________ This certifies that _________________________________________ has successfully completed the forklift safety training program and is authorized to operate the power industrial trucks/equipment listed. Equipment authorized to operate: Training/Refresher Training Date: _______________________________ ____________________________ Trainer: _______________________ Employee: ______________________

Sawmill Lift Trucks

Rear-end steering: rear-end swing creates Two styles Front-end steering: lots of maneuverability with both front and rear-end swing hazard. Rear-end steering: rear-end swing creates hazard situations if drivers are not properly trained. Both have a Fulcrum point that must be understood.

Forklift Engineering Principles Data plates: lets the operator know the following information: Make Model Serial number Lift capabilities Operators must know this information to safely operate lift trucks “Warning” OSHA can fine $25,000 for lift trucks that do not have data plates installed.

Fulcrum Point: is a lift trucks center point of balance during lifting operations. The weight of the load affects the center of balance in relation to the counterweight. Load Counterweight Center of balance during load lifting (Fulcrum Point)

Never add additional weight to lift a load

Basic Operating Rules Must be re-evaluated every three years Employees must be trained and authorized to operate each specific lift truck. Must be re-evaluated every three years Know controls and instrumentation. Location, what they do, and how they work. Operating instructions Warnings, precautions, and hand signals used by company. Pedestrian safety Know the areas where pedestrians will be working Load manipulation Log/lumber stacking or loading of trucks.

Fork attachment operation and use limitation. Basic Operating Rules (continued) Know the terrain or environment that lift truck(s) will be driven Fork attachment operation and use limitation. Drive in reverse if view is obstructed. Always scan ahead to watch for pedestrians and blind spots No horseplay, speeding or stunt driving allowed.

Operating speed Should equal your average walking speed or about 5 MPH.

No riders One seat means only one person allowed on lift while moving.

Seat Belts Seat belts are required to be worn during all operations.

Forks and Grapples The rule to remember is to drive with the fork/grapples as low as possible. If someone were accidentally struck lift forks, it is much less lift threatening to be hit around the ankles than in the abdomen.

Rear-end swing hazard Operators must be responsible for pedestrians and objects in their work area at all times.

If more than 25 feet away from lift it must be turned off. Parking Lift Trucks (three rules) Forks on the ground Brake set If more than 25 feet away from lift it must be turned off.

Pedestrians Never allow anyone to walk under a load.

Lift platforms Must be positioned secure to mast. missing 7-foot vertical guard Must be positioned secure to mast. 42” hand rails with mid-rails. 7-foot vertical guard between individual and mast. Lift operator must remain at control at all times during lift operation.

Maintenance and Pre-start Inspection OSHA requires powered industrial trucks to have a documented pre-start inspection prior to each shift.

Some of the items to inspect: Check forks for cracks Tires and lug nuts Engine fluids

Design a inspection checklist to fit your company requirements. (continued) Cab interior Hydraulic lines Other areas: Note: Battery Lights Brakes Instruments Fire extinguishers Visible damage Design a inspection checklist to fit your company requirements.

Refueling Operations Make sure lift is properly parked and brakes on. Park at a safe refueling distance from pump. Wear personal protective equipment, if required. No one allowed in refueling area. Never overflow fuel tank.

Forklift Safety Rules Sample only Use the correct lift for the job. Only trained and authorized employees are allowed to operate lift trucks. Complete a daily pre-start inspection. Do not park lift trucks in front of fire exits, isles, fire extinguishers, or electrical boxes. No passengers are allowed on lift trucks. Do not allow anyone to walk under raised forks whether loaded or empty. Stop and sound horn at all entrances and exit of buildings. Chock the rear trailer wheels when loading or unloading trailers at a loading dock. Do not park lift trucks on a grade. Do not raise or tilt the forks while driving. Drive with the forks raised only high enough to clear obstacles, preferably 4 - 6 inches. Wear of seat belts is mandatory. No smoking during refueling operations. Drive at the speed of normal walking, usually 5 MPH.

Forklift Safety is the drivers Responsibility !!