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Steer Clear of Forklift Accidents
The forklift truck is a versatile and efficient type of equipment involved in many facets of material distribution in the workplace. Forklift capabilities contribute to hazards which can result in severe injury and extensive damage affecting operators, pedestrians, vehicles, materials and the environment.
Every employer using industrial trucks or industrial tow tractors must post and enforce a set of operating rules. The rules should include prohibiting horseplay, unlawful riding on vehicles, safe speeds for operation, unauthorized operations, when to sound the horn, and load requirements. Only drivers trained in the safe operation of industrial trucks and authorized by the employer should be allowed to operate these vehicles.
Vehicle inspection
- Drivers should check the vehicle at least once per shift with attention given to tires, horn, lights, battery, controller, brakes, steering, cooling, fuel and lift system.
- Any unsafe condition or operation must be reported to the foreman or mechanic and the vehicle should not be operated until the unsafe condition is corrected.
Vehicle operation
- Look in the direction of travel before moving a truck. Keep body parts within the truck's running lines and away from moving parts.
- Start, stop and turn smoothly, observing traffic regulations and speed limits. Slow down and sound horn at cross aisles and locations where vision is obstructed. When the load obstructs view, operate the truck with the load trailing.
- Stunt driving and horseplay are prohibited. Don't trap anyone between the truck and another object.
- Carry riders only if the truck has passenger seats. Don't allow riders on forks or platforms.
- Keep a safe distance from other moving vehicles. For trucks traveling in the same direction, the rear vehicle should stay behind the lead vehicle at least three vehicles lengths, or about three seconds of travel time. Do not overtake or pass another truck where it may be unsafe, such as at intersections or blind spots.
- Do not drive trucks on any floor, sidewalk or platform that will not safely support the loaded vehicle.
- Drive trucks slowly up or down grades. When going up or down grades greater than 10 percent, drive the loaded lift truck with the load upgrade. On all grades, the load and load-engaging mechanism should be tilted back (if applicable) and raised only as needed to clear the road surface.
- Railroad tracks should be crossed diagonally, wherever possible. Park at least 8.5 feet from the center line of the tracks.
- When parking a truck or leaving it unattended (the operator can't see it or is 25 feet or more away from it), put the controls in neutral, turn off the power, set the brakes, lower the forks or platform completely and remove the key or pull the connector plug. Block the wheels of an unattended truck left on an incline.
Loading and transporting
- Load a truck within its rated capacity, with the load positioned evenly on both forks or on the bed. Don't move the vehicle until the load is safe and secure.
- Loads should be stable, neatly piled and cross-tied, if possible.
- No one should stand, pass or work under the elevated portion of any industrial truck, loaded or empty, unless it 's blocked to prevent it from falling.
- When lifting, lowering or carrying a load, tilt the mast slightly back to cradle the load.
- Extreme care should be taken when tilting loads. Don't tilt forward with the load-engaging apparatus elevated except when picking up or placing a load. When stacking or tiering, tilt backward only enough to stabilize the load.
- The width of one tire on the powered industrial truck should be the minimum distance maintained from the edge by the truck while it is on any elevated dock, platform, freight car or truck.
- Special care should be taken when handling loads on trucks equipped with attachments.
- If loads are lifted by two or more trucks working together, the total weight of the load should not exceed their combined lifting capacity.
Moving on or off other machinery
- Before driving onto trucks, trailers or railroad cars, check flooring for breaks or structural weaknesses.
- Only authorized operators should drive vehicles onto elevators. Enter elevators or confine areas with the load end forward. Be sure the vehicle and its load does not exceed the elevator weight limits.
- Once on the elevator, the power should be shut off and the brakes set.
- In enclosed spaces, don't idle trucks, exhaust vapors may accumulate and create a hazard.
- When an industrial truck is used to open or close doors, follow these guidelines:
- Attach the device specifically designed to move doors.
- The force applied by the device to the doors should be applied parallel to the direction of door travel.
- The operator should be able to see the door moving operation from start to finish.
- The operator and any other person should be clear of where a moving door might land if it falls.
- Only drive vehicles in and out of highway trucks, trailers and railroad cars after wheels have been securely blocked or restrained and their brakes set.
"Information or recommendations contained in these articles were obtained from sources believed to be reliable at the date of publication. Information is only advisory and does not presume to be exhaustive or inclusive of all workplace hazards or situations."
The above evaluations and/or recommendations are for general guidance only and should not be relied
upon for legal compliance purposes. They are based solely on the information provided to us and relate
only to those conditions specifically discussed. We do not make any warranty, expressed or implied, that your workplace is safe or healthful or that it complies with all laws, regulations or standards.
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