29. Operating Forklift Trucks

Lift trucks can be dangerous machines. If you don’t use them properly, they can kill and injure people.

Follow this advice to help you and those you work with stay safe. Operating

■ carry out a pre-shift check of the lift truck;

■ wear operator restraints, where fitted;

■ look all around before moving off;

■ look in the direction of travel;

■ travel at a speed suitable for the location and the load you are carrying;

■ travel with the forks lowered, but clear of the ground;

■ watch out for pedestrians;

■ watch out for obstructions;

■ avoid sudden stops and violent braking;

■ slow down at corners, doorways, and at every danger spot and sound the horn where necessary;

■ apply the parking brake when leaving the lift truck;

■ face the lift truck and use steps and handholds when getting in or out.

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Hazard Category	Hazards	Controls
Over Turning	1. Caused by maneuvering, with load elevated, driving too fast, breaking suddenly, striking objects and/or operating on unsuitable floors/support surfaces.	1. Forklift opertors shall be suitably trained in the safe working practices and proedures of forklift trucks. 2. All forklift operators shall be competent and capable to operate the forklift and maintain in the highest standards and procedures. 3. Forklift operators shall not speed
Overloading	1. By exceeding the maximum lifting capacity of the forklift truck	1. Forklift operators shall ensure that the specified lifting capablities of the vehicle are not exceeded under any circumstances. 2. The weight of the load to be obtained to ensure that the capability of the forklift in not exceeded
Collision	1. With structural elements, pipes, stacks or with other vehicles	1. Operators shall ensure that safe working practices/ prcedures are achered at all times and adequate work space is maintained 2. Operators shall ensure that the speed of the forklift is kept at suitable and safe limit 3. Storage racks, etc. shall be positioned and secured in such a way so that they cannot be knocked over easily
Floor Failure	1. Caused because of uneven or unsound floor surfaces or exceeding the load capacity of the floor	1. The working capaity of lfoors, other than at ground level, shall be checked bedore forklift trucks are permitted. 2. Plans shall be obtained of work sites to ensure that there are no underground services, etc. Whih may ause the floor surface to collapse under the weight of the forklift, i.e. drains, ellars, etc.
Loss of Load	1. Can ocur if devices are not fitted to stop loads from slipping off the forks or loads are not adequately seured	1. Forklift operators shall ensure that all loads carried are adequately fixed and/or secured with items such as rope or ratchet straps, etc. 2. Bankman shall be utilized (if necessary) to keep loads secure
Explosion and Fire	1. Can be caused by electrical shorting, leaking fuel pipes, dust aumulation (Internal combustion) and from hydrogen generatioin during battery charging. 2. The truck itself can be a source of ignition if operated in flamable atmospheres	1. Maintenane programs shall be in place for all vehicles and kept up to date 2. Operators shall check the vehicle every time it is used to ensure that it is in a safe working condition 3. Sources of flammability and/or ignition shall be ontrolled to an aceptable level 4. Batteries, etc. chall never be charged in their fabrication or work areas
Carrying Passengers	1. Caused by unauthorized personnel riding on the forklift while in operation	1. Passengers shall never be carried unless seats and other facilities are provided. 2. Drivers shall not speed under any circumstances. 3. Only trained personnel shall operate forklifts
Crush Injuries to other Personnel	1. Can occur if personnel are working in the drivers blind spot or if they walk out in front of the forklift when it is in motion	1. Forklists shall be fitted with reversing alarms to warn other personnel of their presence. 2. All personnel shall be aware of machinery in use and ensure that they look before moving from one place to another
Crush Injuries to Personnel Working on Forklift	1. Can occur if personnel put part of the body in moving parts of forklift, or fall when working from a working plateform on the forks of the forklift	1. No person shall work from the forks of a forklift truck unless an especially designed work plateform is fitted i.e. personnel basket