1. 1 Fork-2 FORKLIFT SAFETY AWARENESS

2. 2 Fork-2 INTRODUCTION Forklifts are very useful for moving raw materials, tools and equipment in many industries including construction. But unfortunately, they also feature prominently in work place accidents. About 1/3 of all transport related accidents involve lift trucks. These accidents result from a lack of operator training, poor maintenance and no safe systems of work regarding lift truck operations.

3. 3 Fork-2 SCOPE As a lift truck operator it is necessary for you to familiarize yourself with site procedures regarding lift truck safe operation.  Types of lift trucks  Lift truck operators  Medical considerations  Training  Testing  Authorization to operate  Familiarization with site routes  Pedestrians / other personnel  Maintenance  Daily checks  Operating a lift truck  Refueling

4. 4 Fork-2 TYPES OF FORKLIFTS  3 types generally used in construction  Industrial counter balanced lift truck  Rough terrain counter balanced lift truck  Telescopic material handler

5. 5 Fork-2 INDUSTRIAL COUNTER BALANCED TYPE  Counter weight to balance  Mast  Only raise or lower  Only operate on smooth solid surfaces  Poor ground clearance  Usually solid tyres  Fueled by battery/electric, gas, diesel

6. 6 Fork-2 ROUGH TERRAIN COUNTER BALANCED TYPE  Similar to industrial type  Larger pneumatic tyres  Rough terrain capabilities  Good ground clearance  Usually diesel engine

7. 7 Fork-2 TELESCOPIC TYPE  Crane type boom  Hydraulic power  Telescopic  4 wheel drive  4 wheel steer  Stabilizers  Other useful attachments

8. 8 Fork-2 LIFT TRUCK OPERATORS  Selection of operators  Physical and mental fitness

9. 9 Fork-2 TRAINING  Basic  Job specific  Familiarization

10. 10 Fork-2 TESTING  Certification  Continuous assessment

11. 11 Fork-2 AUTHORIZATION TO OPERATE  Written permission  Driver competent  Set duration  Lockable ignition  Key holder

12. 12 Fork-2 FAMILIARIZATION OF SITE ROUTES  Laydown areas  Pedestrian routes / crossings  Other traffic  Excavations  Other obstructions  Gradients  Unstable surfaces

13. 13 Fork-2 PEDESTRIANS / PERSONNEL  Safe work systems  Segregation of pedestrians  Audible warning devices  Flashing beacon  High visibility clothing  Head and foot protection  Reversing beeper  Side mirrors

14. 14 Fork-2 MAINTENANCE  Hydraulics  Brakes  Battery  Lights  Steering  Mast  Chains  Tyres  Operator’s cab

15. 15 Fork-2 DAILY CHECKS  Tyre pressure  Brakes / hand break  Horn  Lights / beacon  Fuel  Water  Oil  Battery  Hydraulic leaks

16. 16 Fork-2 LIFTING AND TRANSPORTING OF LOADS  Load weight  Load security  Pallets  Lifting capacity  Check route  Over head hazards  Other traffic  Travelling load position  Speed limit  Loading bays  Defective equipment  Emergency exits

17. 17 Fork-2 OPERATIONS OF ROUGH TERRAIN COUNTER BALANCED LIFT TRUCKS  Tyres  Slippery slopes  4 wheel drive  Bounce  Parking brake  Forks position  Check route  Operator skill  Steep gradients  Site signage

18. 18 Fork-2 TELESCOPIC MATERIAL HANDLERS  4 wheel drive  Crab steer  Greater reach for stacking  More likely to over turn  Stabilizers  Telescopic boom  Automatic load indicators  Keep door shut  Safety belt  Limited visibility

19. 19 Fork-2 REFUELING  Diesel  Gas  Electric

20. 20 Fork-2 DIESEL FUEL  Use refueling area  Turn off engine and use parking brake  Avoid overfilling the fuel tank

21. 21 Fork-2 BATTERY CHARGING  Change in a well ventilated area  Use eye protection when making connections  Have eye wash facilities available  Have an acid neutralizing agent available  Don’t over fill the batteries with water

22. 22 Fork-2 PROPANE FUEL  Use refueling area  Set parking brake  Turn off fuel valve at cylinder  Let engine die to purge all LPP from lines  Disconnect cylinder and remove  Replace with full cylinder  Reconnect and turn on valve  Check for leaks

23. 23 Fork-2 “DON'T”  DO NOT Consume alcohol while at work Pick up a load if someone is standing close Allow people to walk underneath the load Try to pick up an unsuitable load Leave a lift truck unattended with the engine running Carry passengers Drive over cables or piping Operate with the load raised except at creep speed Drive forward is visibility is impaired by a load

24. 24 Fork-2 “DO’S”  DO Only issue keys to authorized drivers On completion of work, park lift truck in designated area Be careful with pedestrians / obey site rules / speed limits Sound horn at potential danger spots Stop before entering building, sound horn then proceed Avoid violent breaking

25. 25 Fork-2 “DO’S”  DO Always travel with the forks roughly 150 mm above ground level Travel slowly down slopes with the fork facing uphill Always use the hand brake when necessary Never travel across an incline Before you raise a load check over head for obstructions Always check for traffic when dismounting