Forklift Operator Training 29 CFR 1910.

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Is Forklift Training Necessary?

About 100 deaths each year About 95,000 accidents each year Bankruptcy New OSHA training standard

Forklift Operating Goals

Hazards and forklift stability Inspecting and operating a forklift Quiz

Authorized Operator
Only trained and authorized personnel are permitted to operate a forklift Keep unauthorized employees off of forklifts Keep pedestrians away from the operating zone of a forklift Lock out unsafe lifts as determined in a preoperation inspection

Operating Hazards
Workplace hazards: ramps, railroad tracks, slippery floors, poor lighting, congestion Loads: large or bulky, uneven weight, broken pallets, poorly stacked Pedestrians: horseplay, unaware of forklift areas, not paying attention

Nameplate
OSHA requires a legible nameplate Includes modifications & attachments Capacity Load center

Center of Gravity
Balance point
48 A

Distance from the edge of the item to the items center of gravity
20 B 40

Load Center
Distance from vertical face of the forks to the loads center of gravity
48 A

A: Load center = 24" B: Load center = 40"

B

80

1 inch = 100 lbs Important reason for keeping the load resting against the vertical face of forks

Stability Triangle
3-point suspension

Forklifts center of gravity

Combined center of gravity

Load center beyond 24"

Combined Actions
Center of gravity moves side to side Center of gravity moves forward

Center of gravity moves backward to the thin portion of the triangle

Attachments
Specific operator training Weight of attachments Increased load center

Tipping Over
Do not jump Hold onto the steering wheel Brace your feet Lean away from the fall

Forklift Operating Goals

Hazards and forklift stability Inspecting and operating a forklift Quiz

Preoperation Inspection
As an authorized operator, it is your responsibility to make sure your forklift functions properly OSHA requires preoperation inspections Company wants to comply with OSHA and be sure equipment is maintained

Walk Around
Forklift properly disengaged
Forks down, key off, neutral gear, parking brake on

Left/right side
Tire condition, tight lug nuts, no debris around axle, overhead guard is solid, no debris behind the mast

Front
Forks in good shape, fork pins in place, backrest solid, mast & chains greased, hoses in good shape

Rear
Counterbalance bolt is tight, radiator clear of debris

In the Seat
Nonmoving checks
Gauges, lights, horn, back-up alarm, blinking warning light, operate the tilt & lift mechanism, check the parking brake

Moving checks
Put on the seat belt, check the running brakes, check the steering

Look for oil or water leaks on the floor

Operating a Lift Truck

Only trained, authorized operators Immediately report forklift-related accidents Seat belts must always be worn No person should stand under elevated portion of lift truck Forklift controls operated only from drivers seat Never block exits or emergency equipment Smoking is not permitted

Loading/Unloading
Before raising a load, understand:
Approximate weight of the load Location of the loads center of gravity

Inspect load for stability, projections, damaged pallets before lifting Restack unstable loads Never place weight on the back of a lift truck to increase its capacity Towing always done from rear towing pin

Traveling
Always look in the direction of travel Keep body inside the cage When moving, the mast must not be raised Sound the horn Operate at safe speeds When turning, watch rear end swing Clearance under overhead installations

Traveling (cont.)
Avoid loose objects or holes If load blocks view, travel in reverse Never carry passengers Pedestrians always have the right-of-way Safe distance from edge of ramps or docks Never eat or drink No stunt driving or horseplay

Ramps and Railroads

Never turn on a ramp On ramps the load should be upgrade Ascend or descend ramps slowly Railroad tracks are crossed diagonally Never park within 8 feet of the center of railroad tracks

Docks
Inspect the dock plate Check the trailer floor condition Trailer wheels are chocked Nose of the trailer is supported by the tractor or a fixed jack

Parking
Lower the forks Set gear to neutral Set the parking brake Turn off the key

Propane Refueling
Propane is a combustible, compressed gas Propane leaks are detected by:
Distinct odor Hissing sound Frost on fittings

PPE: gloves, safety glasses

Battery Charging
Inspect battery connectors for damage No smoking in battery-charging area Immediately clean up electrolyte spills PPE includes face mask, acid-resistant gloves, and an apron

Forklift Operating Goals

Hazards and Forklift Stability Inspecting and Operating a Forklift Quiz

Summary
Facility hazards Load center and capacity Preoperation inspection Rules of the road Refueling

Quiz
1. If your forklift has a rearview mirror, looking behind you is not necessary. True or False 2. Name two of the three ways to detect a propane leak: _______________, _______________ 3. Describe the four items that must be completed prior to driving your forklift into a trailer. 4. If a load blocks your vision, it is OK to raise the load while moving to see under it. True or False 5. Preoperation inspections are done only because OSHA says we have to do them. True or False

Quiz (cont.)
6. Attachments reduce capacity by increasing the load center and adding weight. True or False 7. Minimum PPE items required when refueling a propane tank are ___________, ____________.

8. The most important differences between a forklift and a car are weight and steering. True or False 9. Name at least one condition that when combined with turning sharply may cause a tipover. 10. Pedestrians have the right-of-way only while in designated pedestrian lanes. True or False

Quiz Answers
1. False. You must always look behind you before backing up. 2. Hissing sound, distinct odor, or frost on fittings. 3. Chock the wheels, support the nose of the trailer, inspect the dock plate, check the trailer floor. 4. False. Never drive with the load up. Drive in reverse when the load obstructs forward vision. 5. False. Inspections are also done so that the operator can prevent mechanical failure accidents and because the company needs to prove compliance with OSHAs requirement.

Quiz Answers (cont.)

6. True. Attachments are heavy, and they cause the load center to move away from the forklift. 7. Gloves and safety glasses are the minimum PPE required. 8. True. There are many differences, but the most significant are weight and steering. 9. Hitting a pothole, carrying an off-center load, getting a flat tire, having a raised & tilted back load, or being on a ramp. 10. False. Pedestrians always have the right of way.