Forklift Safety: Operating Guidelines and Pre-use Inspections

1. Powered Industrial Trucks

2. Forklifts - Agenda Introduction “Forklift” Safety Video (Pro-Tread) Discussion Of Forklifts Discussion Of Workplace Specifics Learning Exercise Employee Card Close

3. Forklift Components Mast Lift Cylinders OverheadGuard Tilt Cylinders Power Source Carriage Backrest Forks Tires Heels Tips 2

4. How A Forklift Operates Counter-Weight Fulcrum Load 3

5. The Stability Triangle 4

6. Rated Capacity Rated capacityis the amount of weight the forklift can lift, as determined by the manufacturer. Rated capacity can be found on the vehicle’s ID plate or in the manufacturer’s operator’s manual. 5

7. Pre-use Inspection Check daily to make sure: The vehicle is in good operatingcondition. It has no worn or broken parts. 6

8. Performing A Pre-use Inspection Follow the Operator’s Daily Checklist. Look for damage. Check the brakes, controls and emergency switches. Document all findings on the checklist. 7

9. Pre-use Inspection Items Mast Forks Hydraulics Tires Other Fluid Levels Power Source Overhead Guard Gauges Brakes Moving Parts Carriage Operation Seatbelt Mirrors (if equipped) Horn And Lights Control Levers Steering Backup Alarm 8

10. Replacement Or Repair Make replacements or repairs immediately, before beginning work. Keep all inspection forms and repair records on file. 9

11. Differences Between Operating a Car and a Forklift Steering Braking 10

12. Steering 11

13. Braking Brakes on a forklift may not be as effective as those of a car because: Forklifts are heavy for their size. Often only two of the four wheels are equipped with brakes. The weight of the load plus that of the forklift must be stopped. 12

14. Operator Responsibilities • Understand critical parts and components. • Understand and complete the Operator’s Daily Checklist before each shift. • Know safe operating procedures. 13

15. Operator Responsibilities (cont’d) • Know all safety rules. • Check for specific material handling instructions • Report all injuries and property damage immediately. 14

16. Operator Responsibilities (cont’d) • Never operate a forklift while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or prescribed medications. • Know the capacity of the forklift and the weight of the load. • Be alert to unsafe conditions. 15

17. General Safety Guidelines • Be trained and authorized. • Know all safety devices, functions and operations. • Perform an inspection before operating. • Mount and dismount carefully. 16

18. General Safety Guidelines • Never operate a forklift that needs repair. • Never use a forklift for any purpose other than that for which it was designed. • Keep your hands and the steering wheel free of slippery material. • Operate only from the operator’s position. 16

19. General Safety Guidelines Cont’d • Never let anyone stand or pass under the elevated forks and load. • Travel at safe speeds. • Never let anyone ride on the forks or anywhere else not designed for a passenger. 17

20. Picking Up A Load • Square up on the center of the load. • Stop with the fork tips about one (1) foot from the load. • Make sure no one is standing near the load. • Level the forks and slowly drive forward until the load contacts the carriage. 19

21. Picking Up A Load Cont’d • Lift the load carefully and smoothly until it is high enough to clear. • Tilt the mast back slightly to stabilize the load. • If another load is in front of the one you are picking up: • Lift the load without tilting it. • Back out about one (1) foot. • Tilt the mast back. 20

22. Picking Up A Load Cont’d • When backing up, look over both shoulders to make sure you are clear. • Always look in the direction the forklift is moving. • Lower the load to travel height. 21

23. Traveling with a Load • Never raise the load or forks while traveling. • Always keep the load tilted slightly back. • Keep the forks as low as possible. • Never speed or perform dangerous maneuvers. 22

24. Traveling with a Load Cont’d • Drive backward if you can’t see over the load. • Consider the front wheels as the pivot point. • Slow down to turn. • Stay wide when turning into an aisle. 23

25. Traveling with a Load Cont’d • Never exceed the rated capacity. • Always spread the forks to the widest possible adjustment. • Make sure the load is stable and won’t shift while traveling. • Don’t pick up loads on broken pallets or boxes in poor condition. 24

26. Traveling with a Load Cont’d • Don’t try to push boxcars or other vehicles. • Always keep your arms and legs inside the forklift. • Apply even pressure to the brakes and come to a gradual stop. • Always observe all traffic rules, warning signs, floor load limits and overhead clearance. 25

27. Traveling with a Load Cont’d • Never carry riders. • Sound the horn (or other warning device) to alert others. • Slow down when approaching cross aisles, ramps, dips, uneven or slippery surfaces and congested areas. 26

28. Traveling with a Load Cont’d • Travel with the load facing uphill on inclines and downgrades. • Stop at blind corners, look both ways and sound horn. • Maintain a safe distance while following another forklift. 27

29. Traveling with a Load Cont’d • When unloading a truck or trailer, make sure the truck’s or trailer’s wheels are chocked or it is bumper-locked. • Maintain communication with the truck driver. 28

30. Putting Down a Load • Safely drive to the location. • Make sure there is sufficient clearance for the load. • When stocking, make sure the material in the stack can safely support the load. • Make sure no one is standing near the location. 29

31. Putting Down a Load Cont’d • Square up to the location and then stop about one (1) foot away. • Level the forks and then drive the rest of the way in. • Lower the load to the floor or rack. 30

32. Putting Down a Load Cont’d • Tilt the forks slightly forward. • Look over both shoulders. • Back straight out until the forks have cleared. 31

33. Parking • Fully lower the forks. • Neutralize the controls. • Set the brakes. • Turn off the motor. • If parked on an incline, block the wheels. • Park only in authorized areas. • Never park in front of an emergency exit. 32