Forklift Operator Training

Central Valley Safety Consultants Presents

Is Forklift Training Necessary?

About 100 deaths each year

About 95,000 accidents each year

Bankruptcy New OSHA

training standard

Forklift Operating Goals

Hazards and forklift stability Inspecting and operating a forklift Quiz

Authorized Operator

Only trained and authorized personnel are permitted to operate a forklift

Keep unauthorized employees off of forklifts Keep pedestrians away from the operating

zone of a forklift Lock out unsafe lifts as determined in a

preoperation inspection

Operating Hazards

Workplace hazards: ramps, railroad tracks, slippery floors, poor lighting, congestion

Loads: large or bulky, uneven weight, broken pallets, poorly stacked

Pedestrians: horseplay, unaware of forklift areas, not paying attention

Nameplate

OSHA requires a legible nameplate Includes modifications & attachments Capacity Load center

Center of Gravity

Balance point48”

A

B

20” 40”

Distance from the edge of the item to the item’s center of gravity

Load Center

Distance from vertical face of the forks to the load’s center of gravity–A: Load center = 24"–B: Load center = 40"

80”

B

48””

A

1 inch = 100 lbs Important reason for keeping the load

resting against the vertical face of forks

Stability Triangle

3-point suspension

Forklift’s center of gravity

Combined center of gravity

Load center beyond 24"

Combined Actions

Center of gravity moves side to side

Center of gravity moves forward

Center of gravity moves backward to the thin portion of the triangle

Attachments

Specific operator training

Weight of attachments

Increased load center

Tipping Over

Do not jump Hold onto the steering wheel Brace your feet Lean away from the fall

Forklift Operating Goals

Hazards and forklift stability

Inspecting and operating a forklift

Quiz

Preoperation Inspection

As an authorized operator, it is your responsibility to make sure your forklift functions properly

OSHA requires preoperation inspections

Company wants to comply with OSHA and be sure equipment is maintained

Walk Around

Forklift properly disengaged–Forks down, key off, neutral gear, parking brake on

Left/right side–Tire condition, tight lug nuts, no debris around axle,

overhead guard is solid, no debris behind the mast Front

–Forks in good shape, fork pins in place, backrest solid, mast & chains greased, hoses in good shape

Rear–Counterbalance bolt is tight, radiator clear of debris

In the Seat

Nonmoving checks–Gauges, lights, horn, back-up alarm, blinking

warning light, operate the tilt & lift mechanism, check the parking brake

Moving checks–Put on the seat belt, check the running brakes,

check the steering Look for oil or water leaks on the floor

Operating a Lift Truck

Only trained, authorized operators Immediately report forklift-related accidents Seat belts must always be worn No person should stand under elevated

portion of lift truck Forklift controls operated only from

driver’s seat Never block exits or emergency equipment Smoking is not permitted

Loading/Unloading

Before raising a load, understand:–Approximate weight of the load–Location of the load’s center of gravity

Inspect load for stability, projections, damaged pallets before lifting

Restack unstable loads Never place weight on the back of

a lift truck to increase its capacity Towing always done from rear towing pin

Traveling

Always look in the direction of travel Keep body inside the cage When moving, the mast must not be raised Sound the horn Operate at safe speeds When turning, watch rear end swing Clearance under overhead installations

Traveling (cont.)

Avoid loose objects or holes If load blocks view, travel in reverse Never carry passengers Pedestrians always have the right-of-way Safe distance from edge of ramps or docks Never eat or drink No stunt driving or horseplay

Ramps and Railroads

Never turn on a ramp On ramps the load should be upgrade Ascend or descend ramps slowly Railroad tracks are crossed diagonally Never park within 8 feet of the center of

railroad tracks

Docks

Inspect the dock plate Check the trailer floor condition Trailer wheels are chocked Nose of the trailer is supported

by the tractor or a fixed jack

Parking

Lower the forks Set gear to neutral Set the parking brake Turn off the key

Propane Refueling

Propane is a combustible, compressed gas Propane leaks are detected by:

–Distinct odor–Hissing sound–Frost on fittings

PPE: gloves, safety glasses

Battery Charging

Inspect battery connectors for damage No smoking in battery-charging area Immediately clean up electrolyte spills PPE includes face mask, acid-resistant

gloves, and an apron

Forklift Operating Goals

Hazards and Forklift Stability Inspecting and Operating a Forklift Quiz

Summary

Facility hazards Load center and capacity Preoperation inspection Rules of the road Refueling

Quiz

1. If your forklift has a rearview mirror, looking behind you is not necessary. True or False

2. Name two of the three ways to detect a propane leak: _______________, _______________

3. Describe the four items that must be completed prior to driving your forklift into a trailer.

4. If a load blocks your vision, it is OK to raise the load while moving to see under it. True or False

5. Preoperation inspections are done only because OSHA says we have to do them. True or False

Quiz (cont.)

6. Attachments reduce capacity by increasing the load center and adding weight. True or False

7. Minimum PPE items required when refueling a propane tank are ___________, ____________.

8. The most important differences between a forklift and a car are weight and steering. True or False

9. Name at least one condition that when combined with turning sharply may cause a tipover.

10. Pedestrians have the right-of-way only while in designated pedestrian lanes. True or False

Quiz Answers

1. False. You must always look behind you before backing up.

2. Hissing sound, distinct odor, or frost on fittings.

3. Chock the wheels, support the nose of the trailer, inspect the dock plate, check the trailer floor.

4. False. Never drive with the load up. Drive in reverse when the load obstructs forward vision.

5. False. Inspections are also done so that the operator can prevent mechanical failure accidents and because the company needs to prove compliance with OSHA’s requirement.

Quiz Answers (cont.)

6. True. Attachments are heavy, and they cause the load center to move away from the forklift.

7. Gloves and safety glasses are the minimum PPE required.

8. True. There are many differences, but the most significant are weight and steering.

9. Hitting a pothole, carrying an off-center load, getting a flat tire, having a raised & tilted back load, or being on a ramp.

10. False. Pedestrians always have the right of way.