Forklift Operation
Forklift Operation
Forklift Operation
ratings.
What to inspect during a visual pre-use check General condition and cleanliness. Floor -- clear of objects that could cause an accident. Overhead -- no obstructions. Nearby objects to avoid as you drive away. Fire extinguisher -- present and charged. Engine oil level, fuel level, radiator water level (LPG, gas and diesel forklifts). Battery -- fully charged; check cables for exposed wires; battery plug connections not loose, worn or dirty; vent caps not clogged; electrolyte levels in cells; holddowns or brackets keep battery securely in place. Bolts, nuts, guards, chains, or hydraulic hose reels not damaged, missing or loose. Wheels and tires -- check for wear, damage, and air pressure, if pneumatic tires. Forks -- forks not bent; no cracks present; positioning latches in good working condition; carriage teeth not broken, chipped or worn. Chain anchor pins -- not worn, loose or bent. Fluid Leaks -- no damp spots or drips. Hoses -- held securely; not loose, crimped, worn or rubbing. Horn -- working and loud enough to be heard in working environment; other warning devices operational. Lights -- head lights and warning lights operational.
What to inspect during the operational pre-use check Foot Brake -- pedal holds, unit stops smoothly. Parking Brake -- holds against slight acceleration. Deadman Seat Brake -- holds when operator rises from seat. Clutch and Gearshift -- shifts smoothly with no jumping or jerking. Dash Control Panel -- all lights and gauges are operational. Steering -- moves smoothly. Lift Mechanism -- operates smoothly (Check by raising forks to maximum height then lowering forks completely.) Tilt Mechanism -- moves smoothly, holds (Check by tilting mast all the way forward and backward.) Cylinders and Hoses -- not leaking after above checks. Listen for any unusual sounds or noises. Behavioural and operational factors that can contribute to forklift trucks accidents Improper backing up techniques. Improper turning. Improper warnings to others about a forklift in use nearby.
Poor communication during shared tasks, or in shared spaces. Riding or giving rides on forklift or load. Parking the forklift improperly. Improper blocking of wheels on semi-trailers or railway cars. Horseplay; stunt driving; jerky, erratic driving. Inadequate servicing of the forklift.
Workplace designs that contribute to forklift trucks accidents Narrow aisles. Crowded, cluttered aisles. Obstructions at intersections and doors. Volume of traffic in work area. Walking and working in the general area of forklift operations. Other workplace conditions such as noise, odours, toxic gases, dust, or poor lighting. Many ramps with different surfaces. Condition of loading dock. Characteristics of the load that can create a hazard Poorly stacked or piled on the pallet. Pallets in poor repair. Load too heavy. Load unstable or blocking vision.
Mechanical conditions or design features that increase the risk for forklift accidents Malfunction of brakes. Malfunction of steering. Malfunction of clutch, shift linkage, or transmission. Malfunction of mast assembly. Leaks in hydraulic systems or transmission. Safety devices lacking, inadequate, or malfunctioning. Emissions from forklifts. "Blind spots" or obstructions blocking driver's view. Poor layout of controls and displays.
For more information visit Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety at : http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/forklift/forklift.htm Or ask your supervisor.