Forllift safety

Forklift Safety Awareness

FORKLIFT STABILITY TRIANGLE CENTER OF GRAVITY

FORKLIFT STABILITY TRIANGLE - CENTER OF GRAVITY

• Forklifts have a “stability triangle”.

• The sides of the stability triangle as shown in the illustration are formed by the center of each front wheel and the center of the rear wheel or at the center of the axle if there are two rear wheels.

• A vertical line extending from the center of gravity of the vehicle-load combination must be inside of the stability triangle to prevent the forklift from tipping forward, falling sideways or dropping its load.

Stability triangle center of gravity Forklift safety Stability Triangle Diagram


Forklift lift truck load capacity chart

Locate data plate and obey the load capacity of the forklift and its attachments. Do not overload your truck or add extra counterweight. Match your speed to the surface being driven on, load and workplace conditions.

Exceeding forklift capacity is just asking for trouble

Unstable loads are no match for gravity when you apply the brakes

PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO CAPACITIES TO AVOID POSSIBLE ACCIDENTS

SAFELY LIFTING AND MOVING A LOAD

Capacity Forklift Type Attachment ID Capacity with Attachment


This LP Gas Forklift can safely lift 5000 Lbs. 173" highwith a center of gravity 24" from the face of the forks. With an attachment labeled "HSS", the safe load drops to 4500 Lbs.

Data plate load capacity forklift


Ensure the forks are level and high enough to go into the pallet but not puncture the load.

Place forks as far under the load as possible while keeping in mind the length of the forks and objects behind the load.

Lift the load straight up until it is clear, then tilt back, drive with the load against the backrest.

Watch that the load or forks do not catch on adjacent loads or obstructions.

Allow safe working distance between forklifts.

Do not pass a forklift travelling in the same direction at intersections, blind spots or other dangerous locations.

Stay constantly alert to changing or unusual conditions.

Do not permit anyone to stand or walk under the elevated part of any forklift, whether loaded or unloaded.



Check operating clearance space.

Watch for overhead obstructions.

Avoid driving over loose objects or on surfaces with ruts and holes.

Avoid abrupt hydraulic system movement which could rupture hydraulic hoses or de-stabilize the load.

LOOK FOR OVERHEAD HAZARDS BOTH WHEN LIFTING A LOAD AND

WHILE TRAVELLING.

SAFELY LIFTING AND MOVING A LOADDo not operate forklift without load

backrest or overhead guard.

Do not lift a load that extends above the load backrest unless no part of the load can possibly slide back toward the operator.

Do not move loads which are poorly piled or stacked.


ONLY raise or lower the forks when stopped and brakes applied.

When depositing a load, ensure the forks are free of the load before you back up.

Stack materials properly for safe and efficient retrieval. Be alert for materials which may have been stored improperly.

Use extreme care when tilting loads.

Tilting elevated forks forward shall be prohibited except when picking up a load or where the load is to be deposited.

Keep heavier materials near floor.

SAFELY LIFTING AND MOVING A LOADMatch your speed to the surface being driven

on, load being carried and workplace conditions.

Do not start, stop, turn or change direction suddenly or at speed.

Stack items so that they do not extend into aisles. When forks are empty, mast should be tilted back to prevent tips of forks from contacting ground, or other obstacles. Notify supervisor if a hazardous substance is spilled, follow proper procedure for clean up.

PERSONNEL AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

Do not use pallets elevated by forklifts as an improvised working platform. Do not elevate anyone on forks unless in approved man cage that is secured to forklift.

DON'T TAKE CHANCES LIFTING PERSONNEL WITHOUT PROPER LIFT CAGE SECURELY ATTACHED TO LIFTING EQUIPMENT.

Use of Mirror PERSONNEL AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

Use mirrors, sound horn and slow down when approaching pedestrians, hazardous passageways and work areas.

When forks are empty, mast should be tilted back to prevent tips of forks from contacting ground, or other obstacles.

Match your speed to the surface being driven on, load and workplace conditions.

Do not start, stop, turn or change direction suddenly or at speed.


Do not try to move or adjust any part of the load, the forklift or the surroundings while on the forklift.

Do not climb between mast and load or between mast and machine


Do not drive with hands, arms, head, legs or feet outside the confines of the forklift or between mast uprights or other parts of the unit where shear or crushing hazards exist.

Only operate controls while sitting in the operator’s seat.

TRAVELLING ON INCLINES

Know the forklift wheel position and your direction of travel in relation to loading docks, trucks, and platforms. When travelling up or down an incline with a load, keep the load pointed uphill. When driving up or down an incline without a load, keep the forks pointed downhill.Do not turn until you are on level ground.

Fatal forklift accident, fork lift tipped over crushing driver


Forklift carrying load up or down incline keeps forks uphill

Forklift with no load up or down incline keeps forks downhill


If you ever begin to tip, DON’T JUMP OUT ! ! ! Brace yourself, hold steering wheel tightly with both hands, push yourself into the seat and lean away from the fall. Most forklift fatalities are due to crushing injuries when driver becomes pinned under part of the machine.

Scene of fatal tow motor tip over forklift accident

LOADING TRUCKS

Ensure that truck and trailer brakes are set and wheels are blocked.

Trailers not hooked to a tractor at a dock should be secured by trailer jacks or sufficient support.

LOADING TRUCKS

Watch for holes or weak floors.Watch for trash, loose objects and obstructions.

Inspect condition of truck or trailer before entering.

Ensure the floors will support the combined weight of the forklift and the load.

ALWAYS OBSERVE THE CONDITION OF THE TRAILER BEFORE ENTERING

LOADING TRUCKS

Even Lite loads can add up Never Overload Any Trailer

LOADING TRUCKS

Do not allow pedestrians in trailers while a lift truck is loading or unloading.

The likelihood of being crushed by a forklift is greater in tight spaces.

Ensure proper lighting in trailer and work area.

AVOID THE PITFALLS OF AN UNSTABLE OR OVERWEIGHT LOAD

LOADING TRUCKS

Never park a forklift on a dock plate. Ensure that portable dock plates are properly secured before driving over.

Ensure plate capacity is capable of supporting forklift and load.

Dock levelers must be extended and securely resting on trailer floor

LOADING TRUCKSInstall anti-slipping material in any area that could be a hazard due to weather conditions.

Ensure that docks and dock plates are clear of obstructions and not oily, wet or coated with ice or snow.

Know where to find safety salt, ice melter or oil absorbent.

HAVE A POLICY IN PLACE TO PREVENT TRUCK PULLING OUT PREMATURELY

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO TOW MOTOR AND FORKLIFT ACCIDENTS

Behavioural / Operational Factors

Excessive speed

Lack of worker training.

Improper vehicle restraints on trucks and trailers.

Inadequate servicing of the forklift Improper backing, turning, braking.

Improperly parking the forklift.


Walking and working in the general area of forklift operations.

Poor communication during shared tasks, or in shared spaces.

Improper warnings to others of forklift presence. Allowing passengers on the forklift or load.

Non-acceptable behaviours, horseplay, showing off

NEVER TAKE SAFETY FOR GRANTED, ACCIDENTS CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE,

ANYTIME.


Characteristics of the WorkplaceNarrow, crowded, or cluttered aisles.Intersections and doorways.

Concentrations of traffic.

Type of materials being stored or moved.

Visibility restrictions and obstructions


Lighting conditions, shadows and glare.

Condition of loading dock.

Ramps, inclines or different surface conditions.

Potholes or obstacles on the ground Other factors - noise, odours, toxic gases, dust.


Operational SystemsProduction factors - speed, stress, lack of proper attachments or accessories

Policies and procedures

Age of forklifts.

Maintenance program.KNOW YOUR WORK AREA, LEARN THE HAZARDS


Characteristics of the Load Poor palletizing.

Damaged Skids.

Load too heavy.

Load unstable.

Load blocking vision.NEVER TRY TO MOVE AN UNSTABLE LOAD,

FIX IT FIRST!

FORKLIFT CIRCLE CHECK

BE THOROUGH, BE SAFE Daily Visual and Operational Safety Inspection

An individual checklist should be developed for each machine tailored to the make, model and attachments of the machine.

FORKLIFT CIRCLE CHECKWalk around the forklift, checking for obstructions or hazards in the area, fluid leaks, damp spots or drips. Check condition of wheels/tires. Inspect belts, hoses and connections. Check propane, engine oil, coolant level and battery condition.


Lights working properly.

Fire extinguisher-present and charged.Foot brake pedal holds, unit stops smoothly.

Parking brake should hold against slight acceleration.

Dash control panel all lights, gauges and horn operational.


Clutch and gearshift smooth shifting no jumping or jerking.

Steering functioning properly, no excessive play in the wheel.


No external or internal leaks at lift and tiltcylinders. also, no leaking hydraulic hoses.

Chains, rollers, hose pulleys in good shape.


Check forks for positioning, latches and anchor pins worn, loose or bent.

Beware of damaged, cracked or bent forks.

Forllift safety

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