Safe Forklift Operations Dustin Flavell Sierra Foothill Research & Extension Center

Training Session Overview Terminology Overview Safety Video Operating Rules for Industrial Trucks Load Capacity Requirements Pre-shift Inspection Unusual Features of Forklift Operation

SIT-DOWN COUNTERBALANCE LIFT TRUCK Backrest Carriage Forks Mast Tires Drive Axle Steering Axle Counterbalance Overhead Guard

Safety Video

Operating Rules – Industrial Trucks 5. Keep clear of forklift mast uprights and all other parts where shear and crushing hazards exist 5.

Operating Rules – Industrial Trucks 6. Do not stand, pass or work under the elevated portion of a forklift 6. Empty or loaded, only time permissible when properly blocked to prevent falling

Operating Rules – Industrial Trucks 7. Forklift must be check at least once before use each day

Operating Rules – Industrial Trucks 8. Forklifts with fuel system leaks may not be operated 9. Forklifts must maintain a safe speed & distance from other vehicles 10. Do not pass other lifts at dangerous locations 11. Drivers must slow down & sound horn at dangerous locations 8. Part of check list, 9.Keep lift under positive control, all established traffic regulations must be observed, 3 vehicle lengths if following others, 10. Such as intersections, blind spots, 11. Places where vision is obstructed, if the load is obstructing vision, travel with load trailing

Operating Rules – Industrial Trucks Be sure all people are clear before moving a forklift in any direction Do not drive towards people standing around fixed objects 13. People could get caught between and hurt

Operating Rules – Industrial Trucks Ascend & Descend grades slowly Forks shall be carried as low as possible

Operating Rules – Industrial Trucks When leaving a forklift unattended: Shut the power off Set the parking brake Mast must be down in the vertical position Wheels blocked if on an incline 16. Power may be left on if all of the above is done plus front & rear wheels choked

How Far is Considered Unattended? 25 feet Over 25 feet or out of sight of the forklift DONUTS

Operating Rules – Industrial Trucks 24. One tire width minimum distance from the edge of any elevated dock or platform

Operating Rules – Industrial Trucks Do not load forklifts in excess of their rated capacity. A loaded forklift may not be moved until the load is safe and secure Use extreme care when tilting loads 31. If loads are lifted by two or more forklifts working in unison the load shall not exceed the combined rated lifting capacity of all trucks involved 26. Clearly posted on forklift mast, remember from the video capacity is based on a 24” load center ex. AC lift, 28. Tilt forward only when pick up or depositing a load, but not while elevating. Back tilting should only be used to stabilize a load

Rules covered in video Only trained personnel may operate a forklift Stunt driving & horseplay is prohibited No riders on forklifts Riding is not allowed on the forks of a forklift ,7,11,13,17,20,21,22(18,19,23,25,30,31 – N/A) Trained on the safe use of, 2. self explanatory, 3. Unless properly equipped, 4. Pinch points & falling

Unusual Features Forklift Operations Rear Steering Wide swing of rear of forklift when turning Potential for tipping over Potential for loss of load off forks during operation Positioning of load Reduction in rated capacity Operating in reverse THINGS TO BE AWARE OF: 5. Well back on the forks & centered 6.This can occur when load is carried at fork tips or if load is not based on a 24 inch center 7. This should be done if forward view is obstructed by load.

Operating Rules for Elevating People Only use a securely attached safety platform Be sure the lift mechanism is working smoothly Never tilt the mast forward or backward Place forklift in neutral with parking brake set Watch for overhead obstructions Keep hands clear of controls when not in use Never travel with personnel on the safety platform Other considerations Where your hard hat (being lifted). Make sure to have good communication between both parties