Safe Lift Truck Operation

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Safe Lift Truck Operation
Basic Lift Truck Safety
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Disclaimer
The information presented in this presentation
has been compiled from sources believed to be
reliable and is intended to be a tool to assist
and guide you in building your own presentation.
This program may not address all the hazardous
conditions or unsafe acts that may exist. For
that reason, SPIN cautions users to confirm
accuracy and compliance with the latest standards
and best practices. Local, State/Provincial and
Federal regulations take precedence over this
material. Implementation of any practices
suggested by this program is at your sole
discretion, and SPIN will have no liability to
any party for any damages including, but not
limited to, direct, indirect, special or
consequential damages, arising out of or in
connection with the information provided or its
use.
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• Lift Trucks and Accidents

• Types of Fork Trucks or Lift Trucks
• Electric (E) (ES) (EE) (EX)
• Propane (LP) (LPS)
• Gas (G) (GS)
• Diesel (D) (DS) (DY)
• Types of Lift / Fork Truck Accidents
• Speeding (leading cause of accidents)
• Overhead Obstructions (esp. new drivers)
• Pedestrians (some years as much as 31)
• Ultimately Unsafe Acts Unsafe Conditions

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• Pre-Start Checklist

• Any industrial truck in an unsafe operating
  condition is to be removed from service
• Forklift inspections are to be done daily
• Defects shall be immediately reported and
  corrected
• Repairs shall be made only by authorized
  personnel
• Know the load capacity, center and weight of the
  lift truck - Read the nameplate

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General Inspection Items

• Nameplate
• Attachments
• Lights
• Overhead Guard
• Battery
• Back-Up Alarm
• Seat Restraint System
• Fuel Line

• Tires
• Steering
• Brakes
• Hydraulic System
• Horn
• Controls
• Chains
• Mast
• Carriage

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• Basic Lift Truck Safety

• Nameplate - Know the load capacity
• Keep arms and legs within the lift truck
• Face direction of travel
• No riders
• Stay to the right
• Obey speed limits
• Be aware of overhead clearances
• No horseplay
• Keep three vehicle lengths from other trucks
• Yield to pedestrians

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• Operating the Lift Truck

• Maintain a safe distance of at least three truck
  lengths when following another fork truck
• Forklifts shall not be driven up to anyone
  standing in front of a bench or other fixed
  object
• There shall be sufficient clearance under
  overhead installations, lights, pipes, sprinkler
  systems, overhead doors, etc.

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• Operating the Lift Truck

• The right-of-way shall be yielded to pedestrians
  and emergency vehicles
• Passing another lift truck is prohibited
• Horseplay shall not be permitted
• Observe proper re-fueling procedures
• Passengers are prohibited on lift trucks
• If a load obstructs forward view, the lift truck
  shall be driven with the load trailing
• Cross railroad tracks diagonally

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• Operating the Lift Truck

• The operator must keep arms and legs inside the
  lift truck running lines
• Never permit anyone under forks or elevated loads
• Never turn on an incline
• Maintain a safe distance from the edge of ramps,
  elevated docks and platforms
• Do not block emergency exits or equipment with
  lift truck or material

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• Moving the Load

• Never exceed the maximum load capacity
• Insert the forks all the way under the load
• Lift high enough to just clear any obstructions -
  about 4 to 6 inches with no obstructions
• Tilt the mast back
• Approach loads head on
• Check the stability of the load
• Use forks at maximum allowable width

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• Moving the Load

• When loading or unloading trailers
• Set the brakes of the truck
• Correctly place the wheel chocks on trailer
• Check that weight capacity of the trailer floor
• Inspect the condition of trailer floor before
  entering
• Make sure dock plates are secure
• Use jack stands when tractors are not present

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• Moving the Load

• Keep the load CG close to the front wheels
• Never drive with the load raised
• Driving around corners or blind spots, stop,
  sound the horn, proceed slowly
• When driving on an incline, Keep the load uphill
• Never add extra weight to counterbalance a load
• Don't make quick sharp turns

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• Safe Operating Guidelines

• Only authorized personnel are operators
• Unloaded lift trucks shall be operated on all
  grades with the forks downward
• Loaded lift trucks shall be driven with the load
  upgrade
• Drivers must slow down on wet or slippery floors
• Avoid running over loose objects or debris

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• Safe Operating Guidelines

• Drive slowly, scan ahead, and be aware of
  pedestrians
• Park lift trucks only in designated areas
• When parking a lift truck
• Lower the load to the floor
• Set the brake
• Neutralize the controls
• Turn off the lift truck
• Use PPE when re-fueling or re-charging

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For more information about SPIN visit the
web-site at www.spin-safety.org or call
1-800-673-0439