Safety Tip of the Week – Forklift Safety — Parking Safety

Unattended vehicles are a danger to the operator and others when they are not properly secured. Every year forklift operators and other workers are trapped between massive equipment and are victims to crushing injuries and are sometimes even killed when an unattended vehicle starts moving.

REMEMBER while parking and leaving an unattended vehicle that is improperly parked, you could encounter the following hazards:

• Danger of being struck by personnel or objects;

• Danger of unintended movement of the truck.

Follow these Precautions to Minimize the Risk While Parking Powered Industrial Trucks (PIT):

OSHA considers a powered industrial truck “unattended” when the operator is 25 ft. or more away from the vehicle even if it remains in his view or whenever the operator leaves the vehicle and it is not in his view

When a PIT is left unattended, load engaging means shall be fully lowered, controls shall be neutralized, power shall be shut off, and brakes set. Wheels shall be blocked if the truck is parked on an incline.

• Operator should select a hard, level surface to park the PIT.

• Never park on a grade, unless wheels are blocked.

• Always park in authorized areas only, unless the forklift is disabled. Park a safe distance from fire aisles, stairways or fire equipment. Do not block traffic.

• Always fully engage the parking brake.

• Always lower the load engaging means (lifting mechanism) fully.

• Always neutralize the controls:

  o Set the direction lever in neutral and lock the mechanism (if available).

• Always tilt the mast forward slightly and lower the forks to the floor until the fork tips touch the floor.

• If the forklift is disabled, and the forks cannot be lowered to the floor, follow proper lockout/tagout procedures. NEVER allow anyone to stand on or pass under the forks.

• Always turn the key to OFF, and stop the engine. Remove the key.

• REMEMBER! Get off the forklift without jumping.

Note: When the operator of an industrial truck is dismounted and within 25 ft. of the truck still in his view, the load engaging means shall be fully lowered, controls neutralized, and the brakes set to prevent movement. It is not required that the power be shut off.

Safety Starts With Me!