Weekly Safety Meeting – Forklift — 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 of crushing injuries and are sometimes even killed when an unattended vehicle starts moving.

The potential hazards while parking and leaving an unattended vehicle that is improperly parked include the danger of being struck by personnel or objects and the danger of unintended movement of the truck.

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

The powered industrial truck is considered “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.

• Do not park on a grade, unless wheels are blocked.

• 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. [29 CFR 1910.178(m)(14)]

• Fully engage the parking brake.

• Lower the load engaging means (lifting mechanism) fully.

• Neutralize the controls:

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

• 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. [29 CFR 1910.147] Do not allow anyone to stand on or pass under the forks. [29 CFR 1910.178(m)(2)]

• Turn the key to OFF, and stop the engine. Remove the key.

• Get off the forklift without jumping.

Safety Starts With Me!