Forklifts, or industrial trucks, are useful for lifting and transporting cargo in many environments from manufacturing warehouses to construction sites, and shipping/loading docks. Forklift operators should have training on the forklift they will be using to operate it safety. Operators need awareness of the triangular center of gravity for loads of various sizes and shapes, as well as knowledge of the weight they can lift on the front, so the rear wheel does not lift off the ground. Instability can result in a forklift rollover. Rollovers are the leading causes of fatalities in forklift-related accidents.
The OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.178(a), 29 CFR 1910.178(b) and 29 CFR 1910.178(c) covers PITs used in materials handling and storage provides general requirements and specific instructions that PIT operators should always follow. The following classes of PITs do not include all PITs covered by the OSHA standard. Click on the links below to learn OSHA’s details about each type of forklift.
OSHA Classifications of Forklifts
Class I – Electric Motor Rider Trucks
Class II – Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks
Class III – Electric Motor Hand/Rider Trucks
Class IV – Internal Combustion Engine Trucks (Solid/Cushion Tire)
Class V – Internal Combustion Engine Trucks (Pneumatic Tire)
Class VI – Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tractors
Class VII – Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks
Surface Condition
The surface conditions matter when it comes to forklift operation because the surface can cause serious safety problems. Loose objects and bumps where depressions can cause the operator to lose control of steering can cause an unplanned stop, or even cause losing the load entirely. Uneven surfaces may cause a wheel to get stuck or sink and destabilize the load and the forklift.
Traveling
The number one basic rule while operating a forklift is to always maintain control while traveling. As such there are a number of “dos” and “don’ts” operators must follow in order to safely operate a forklift.
The operator should never start the forklift or attempt to operate the controls while standing beside the forklift, allow passengers on the forklift unless the forklift is designed for carrying a passenger, or put any part of their body between the uprights of the mast or, when traveling, outside of the forklift frame. The operator should not pass a forklift traveling in the same direction if it is at a blind spot, intersection, or other dangerous locations, never drive the forklift up to anyone in front of a bench or other fixed object, and never allow anyone to walk or stand under the forks of the forklift regardless of whether the forks have a load on them or not. The operator should never engage in horseplay or stunt driving.
The forklift operator should only operate the forklift while in the forklift seat or the operator’s station. The operator should always look in the direction of travel and keep a clear view of the travel path and should travel in reverse if the load blocks the view of the operator. Operators should keep a distance of at least three forklift lengths between themselves and any forklift traveling in front of them and should always check to ensure there is adequate clearance for the forklift and load to pass under support beams, lights, sprinklers, pipes, and other overhead objects.
Loading and Unloading the Forklift
Dangerous and even deadly incidences can occur during the placement or retrieval of a load. To prevent such occurrences, employers should ensure operators practice the following:
The operator should check the load for stability, before picking it up, by considering positioning of parts of the load that may move, slide, or fall during transit. Secure the load as necessary.
The operator should consider the dimensions and weight of the load, checking that the load fits within the capacity of the PIT, factoring in the highest elevation and extension to be used. If the load does not fit the capacity of the PIT, the operator may need to break the load into smaller parts. Forks should be placed squarely into the load, spread to keep the load balanced, and driven all the way under the load. The mast should be tilted backward slightly to stabilize the load and lift.
Checking the Destination
The operator should check the destination before placing the load. Consider the destination – is it a flat surface, stable? Will the load rock, tilt, or lean? Consider the weight – never place heavy loads on top of light loads. Consider stacking – observe maximum stacking quantities and orientation, know the load-bearing capacity of the rack or storage loft. Are the wooden stringers or decking laid between front and rear rack beams in good condition and capable of supporting the current load and any additional load? Consider the rack condition – if rack legs or support member are bent or disconnected, do not use. Are the racks secured to the floor or other adjacent structures? Report damage or repair or replace before loading. And finally, consider the location of racks – if racks are arranged back-to-back with stock behind the location where an operator’s load will be placed, a spotter should be used to help control access while placing the load.
Placing the Load at Its Destination
The forklift operator should move squarely into position in front of the rack or stack where the load will be placed. When the operator is ready to place the load, tilt the mast to level. Only tilt forward when the load is over the spot where it will be placed. Lower the forks and back away. The operator should visually verify that the load is stable.
Forklift training is crucial to the safety of yourself and others, so maintain yours up to date. Forklift refresher training is required every 3 years, or sooner if you have an accident, bad evaluation, unsafe driving, a change of type of forklift, or change in workplace conditions.
FORKLIFT OPERATION IS SERIOUS BUSINESS!
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