Forklift Safety

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ForkliftSafety
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Introduction
Driving a forklift is a serious responsibility.
It is generally more difficult than driving a car.
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Introduction
Forklifts are less stable due to the 3 points of
suspension versus an automobiles 4 point
suspension.
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Introduction
The back wheels do the turning as opposed to an
automobiles front wheels.
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Introduction
Steering requires greater judgement and operating
skills.
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Introduction
Traffic patterns are not as uniform and
predictable when driving a forklift as when
driving an automobile.
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Introduction
A fully loaded forklift can weigh hundreds or
even thousands of pounds more than an automobile.
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Types of Forklifts
Forklifts are classified by the 4 types of power
sources used

• Gasoline
• Diesel
• Liquid Petroleum
• Electrical

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Types of Forklifts
Forklifts are categorized by nationally
recognized testing laboratories into 11 different
designations. The designation is then labeled on
each forklift.
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Types of Forklifts
It is important to know the designation on the
forklift you work with because it may not be
compatible with the atmosphere in your work area.
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Pre-Operation Inspection
A pre-operation inspection of the forklift is
required at the beginning of each shift it is
used. This is important because a mechanical
breakdown or malfunction of a forklift during
operation could create severe consequences for
both you and your co-workers.
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Pre-Operation Inspection
The pre-operation inspection should be conducted
with a written check list. At the end of the
inspection, the check list should be signed,
dated and filed with your supervisor.
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Pre-Operation Inspection
NEVER operate a forklift that does not pass
inspection.
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Hazards in your Environment
You can prevent forklift accidents by being aware
of the hazards in your work environment before
operating a forklift.
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Hazards in your Environment
Hazards could include

• Potholes
• Pedestrian Traffic
• Narrow Aisle Ways
• Overhead Obstructions
• Wet, Oily, or Rough Surfaces
• Other Equipment in the Area

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Hazards in your Environment
Good housekeeping is everyones responsibility.
It is important for safe operation of forklifts.
A clean work environment reduces the potential
hazards of any work area.
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Hazards in your Environment
As a forklift operator, it is your responsibility
NOT to block electrical panels, fire exits,
emergency stop buttons, or aisle ways with
materials.
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Hazards in your Environment
Know the chemical characteristics of the
substances you are moving. Are they stable,
reactive or flammable?
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Hazards in your Environment
You should also be aware of potential atmospheric
hazards in your environment. For instance, carbon
monoxide from a forklifts internal combustion
engine can be very hazardous in enclosed or
non-ventilated spaces.
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Maintaining Stability
Bottom view of forklifts 3 point suspension,
which forms the stability triangle.
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Maintaining Stability
The center of gravity of a forklift is within the
triangle. When the center of gravity moves
outside the stability triangle, the forklift is
unstable and could tip over.
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Maintaining Stability
One of the most important facts you need to know
about your forklift is how much it can safely
lift. This weight is listed as the Load Capacity
on the manufactures data plate.
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Maintaining Stability
The load capacity for a forklift varies for each
load depending on

• Where the Load Center is
• The Height You Plan to Lift the Load
• Any Attachments Used

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Maintaining Stability
The farther the load center is from the fulcrum,
the less stable the load.
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Maintaining Stability
A fulcrum is the point or support on which a
lever turns. On a seesaw, the fulcrum is the
center.
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Maintaining Stability
On a forklift, the fulcrum is the front wheels.
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Maintaining Stability
The closer the load is moved to the fulcrum, the
more the forklift is able to lift. This is why
you should use caution when lifting unbalanced
loads.
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Proper Load Handling
Proper load handling and smooth operation of a
forklift are essential to maintaining your
forklifts stability and preventing accidents
from occurring.
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Proper Load Handling
Before lifting a load

• make sure the load is within the load capacity
  of the vehicle
• the load should be properly stacked and secure
• the forks should be spread as wide as possible
  for even distribution of weight
• insert the forks far enough to ensure the load
  is stable

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Proper Load Handling
When travelling with a load

• travel with the load just high enough to clear
  any potential hazards
• if the load blocks your vision travel in reverse
• always keep your arms, legs, and head inside the
  confines of the forklift

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Proper Load Handling
When setting a load

• never raise the forks to stack a load until the
  forklift is properly positioned
• line the load up with its intended location
• allow 2-3 inches of clearance at the sides and
  back of the load
• level the forks
• slowly move forward until load is in place
• lower the load

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Safe Driving Skills
Forklift operators often work in an environment
with no clear traffic patterns. Thats why it is
important that you follow safe driving skills
when operating a forklift.
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Safe Driving Skills
Pedestrians

• be aware of pedestrians and communicate your
  intentions
• sound your horn whenever your vision is blocked
• give pedestrians the right-of-way
• never assume a pedestrian has heard your horn
• not all pedestrians may be aware of the rules

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Safe Driving Skills
Speed

• travel only as fast as conditions allow
• under ideal conditions, it takes a forklift
  traveling at 10 miles per hour about 22 feet to
  come to a complete stop

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Safe Driving Skills
Making Turns

• stay on the inside of corners when turning
• slow down to a safe speed and turn in a smooth,
  sweeping motion at a moderate and even pace
• sound your horn when turning blind corners
• if your facility has convex mirrors, use them to
  check for pedestrians and traffic before
  turning corners

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Safe Driving Skills
Behind the Forklift

• be aware of people moving behind the forklift
• when a forklift turns, the rear end swings out
  and a could accidentally run over a persons
  foot
• most forklift accidents are caused when a
  forklift runs over a pedestrians foot

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Safe Driving Skills
Between the Forklift and a Hard Surface

• Never let anyone get between the forklift and a
  hard surface including walls, pillars, and
  stacked materials.

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Safe Driving Skills
Railroad Tracks

• When crossing a railroad track, slow down and
  cross on a diagonal.

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Safe Driving Skills
Inclines

• When traveling up or down an incline or ramp,
  always travel with the load pointing up.

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Safe Driving Skills
Loading Docks

• make sure docks are clear of any obstructions
  and are not oily or wet
• check that the dock plate is secure before
  driving over it
• do not exceed the rated weight capacity of the
  dock
• do not make any unnecessary movements on the
  dock
• travel slowly in and out

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Safe Driving Skills
Trailers

• set the vehicle brakes on the trailer and
  properly chock both wheels
• Do Not rely on someone else to secure the
  trailer
• make sure your load has proper overhead
  clearance
• check for obstructions and loose objects on the
  floor

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Safe Driving Skills
Parking

• always park your forklift in its designated area
  with the forks down
• whenever the forklift will be out of your sight
  or you will be 25 feet or more away from your
  forklift, you must lower the forks, place the
  controls in neutral, set the brakes, and turn off
  the power
• Never allow an unauthorized person to use the
  forklift

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Refueling
Gas Powered Forklifts

• must be refueled in designated areas by trained,
  authorized personnel
• should be refueled outside
• before refueling turn engine off
• when finished, wipe off any spillage

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Refueling
LP Powered Forklifts

• changing LP tanks should only be performed by
  trained, authorized personnel in designated
  areas
• wear eye protection and the proper gloves when
  changing LP tanks
• make sure engine is off before changing LP tanks
  

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Refueling
Battery Changing

• only trained, authorized personnel working in
  designated areas can handle battery changing
  operations
• the area must be equipped with a means for
  flushing or neutralizing any spilled
  electrolyte
• ignition sources must be kept away at all times
• use only insulated tools when handling batteries
• turn of the ignition before attempting to change
  the battery

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?Summit Training Source, Inc.
Contact us at 1-800-842-0466 or
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