Everyone needs Forklift Training

While it’s true that only employees with specific training can operate a forklift, any employee who works around forklifts should know the basics of safe operation and maintenance, and how to avoid getting hurt accidentally.

Try holding a basic forklift safety session for all employees that reminds them of the forklift dangers – they can topple over, collide with objects, drop heavy loads and represent a fire and explosion hazard when refueling. Review some of the forklift safety basics, including:

* Never exceed the rated load capacity
* Make sure the load is balanced on the forks
* Never ride as a passenger on a forklift
* Never stand under the forks when they’re raised
* Never smoke when the forklift is being refueled
Encourage all employees to be on the lookout for forklift safety hazards including unsafe operation or maintenance problems and report any hazards to supervisors as soon as possible.

Proper training

David Hoover, president of Forklift Training Systems, is worried that forklift training is often inadequate. “Many times the driving test amounts to no more than moving some empty pallets around in a parking lot or weaving through a course at a forklift dealership. Most written tests consist of 15 or less questions that the average 10-year-old could easily pass.”

He says, “Businesses that use forklifts must start putting together tougher pass or fail criteria in place that weed out weak operators for more training prior to certification.”

Proper training works this way, he says: “We expect trainees to be able to handle substantially heavy loads and stack as high as they would be expected to in real conditions. We also might require them to load a trailer, use attachments and negotiate a map.”

He also says, “Don’t look for someone such as OSHA to come out with specific pass or fail criteria. It is our job as trainers to make those judgments. There is no guarantee that even well trained operators will not have an accident some time, but at least you can be comfortable knowing that you did your part to ensure they were properly trained and qualified.”

Forklift exhaust

Forklifts powered by propane, gasoline, and to a lesser degree diesel fuel, significantly contribute to carbon monoxide (CO) hazards in the workplace. Propane fuelled vehicles also emit potentially dangerous nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

Here are some options to control the hazards of forklift exhaust:
• Use electric forklifts to eliminate CO and NO2 emissions.
• Use catalytic converters to reduce CO and NO2 emissions (by up to 97%) on most forklifts.
• Regularly tune up forklifts to reduce CO and NO2 emissions. For propane or natural gas units, exhaust gas analysis should periodically be performed as part of the tune ups.
• Use commercial soot traps to help clean the exhaust from diesel-powered forklifts.
• Consider using a cleaner-grade fuel, such as diesel, with reduced sulfur content.

How much do you know about forklift safety? (Quiz)

How familiar are you with forklifts and their safe operation? Take this quiz and find out:

1.) It is very easy to tip over on ramps and sloped surfaces whether the forklift is loaded or unloaded.
a.) True. b.) False.

2.) When driving on ramps with a grade of 10 percent or more with a loaded forklift, you must always keep the load uphill, even if it means driving in reverse down the ramp.
a.) True. b.) False.

3.) Because a forklift weighs more, it is much easier to brake to a stop than an automobile.
a.) True. b.) False.

4.) A forklift driver must always look…
a.) In the mirrors.
b.) Around his/her load.
c.) In the direction of travel.
d.) Forward.

5.) What should you do when you approach an intersection?
a.) Slow down and sound the horn.
b.) Check for hazards by leaning out of the cab.
c.) Turn slowly and smoothly.
d.) Get through as quickly as possible.

6.) To lift people using a forklift, the operator must…
a.) Lift people with bare forks.
b.) Use a pallet to provide a platform.
c.) Move a truck near a wall for fall protection.
d.) None of the above.

7.) When forward visibility is obstructed or blocked…
a.) Look around the load.
b.) Proceed forward slowly and with due caution.
c.) Drive in reverse.
d.) None of the above.

8.) Never enter a trailer or railroad car unless…
a.) The watchman is present.
b.) The forklift’s fuel tank and battery are fully charged.
c.) The trailer or railcar is locked in place with wheel chocks.
d.) There is a spotter inside the trailer or railroad car.

9.) A forklift operator’s first concern should be…
a.) Increasing the speed of loading and unloading.
b.) Making sure the vehicle is in safe working condition.
c.) Checking shift changes for the load/unload schedule.
d.) Stabilizing the forks on all trucks used in a shift.

10.) Which of the following is a warning sign that the forklift may need to be taken out of service and repaired?
a.) Leaks for the fuel system.
b.) A brake pedal that feels spongy.
c.) Exhaust fumes that make you feel sick.
d.) All of the above.



Answers:
1. a
2. a
3. b
4. c
5. a
6. d
7. c
8. c
9. b
10 d

Driver’s daily checklist

Driver’s daily checkists, stickers that can be attached to forklifts, can be used to insure forklifts are safe for every use. Drivers can check each item on the list before they drive the forklift:

* Tires – check all tires for damage
* Fluids – check oil, hydraulics, battery, fuel and coolant
* Seating – check the condition and adjustment of the seat
* Warning devices – check lights, horn and reversing beeper
* Capacity – load-capacity plate must be fitted, legible and correct
* Mast – check mast for wear to lift chains and guides, inspect hydraulic cylinders and look for leaks
* Forks – inspect forks for damage
* Seat belt – must be securely fastened
* After start-up – check pedals and controls, brakes and parking brake