Forklift dangers

Source excerpt

CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Forklift Trucks # Forklift Trucks - Professional Operator ## On this page Who can operate the forklift truck? What should an operator do when operating the forklift truck? What should an operator not do when operating a forklift truck? ## Who can operate the forklift truck? Forklift trucks should be operated only by experienced workers who are trained, certified or licensed to perform this task. Some jurisdictions specify that only a "competent" or "authorized" person may operate powered lift trucks and others may specify a minimum operator age (e.g., 18 years or older). Check with your local occupational health and safety government department for more information. The CSA standard B335-15 (R2020), "Safety standard for lift trucks", includes the development and implementation of a lift truck safety program, operator training requirements, qualifications of the lift truck trainer (including medical and fitness requirements), maintenance and repair practices, etc. ## What should an operator do when operating the forklift truck? - Know the recommended load limit of the forklift and never exceed it. - Know how to assess the weight of the load to be lifted. - Do a visual and operational check of the forklift at the start of the shift. - Always inspect and wear any seat belt or operator restraint device or system when these devices are available on the forklift truck. - Know how to properly enter and leave the vehicle. - Be familiar with the route for travel. - Look ahead for any obstructions or restrictions that might be in the path you are going to travel (e.g., slippery floors, items in the path, weight restrictions for floors, dock or bridge plates, elevators, etc.). Forklift Trucks - Professional Operator CCOHS

Source excerpt

CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety + Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Forklift Trucks # Forklift Trucks - Daily Checks ## On this page When should an operator inspect the forklift truck? What does a daily inspection involve? What should an operator inspect during the visual pre-use check? What should an operator inspect during the operational pre-use check? ## When should an operator inspect the forklift truck? An operator should inspect the forklift truck every day, including at the beginning of each shift, and before using each time. ## What does a daily inspection involve? The operator should carry out a visual check ("circle" check) before starting the forklift. After completing the visual pre-start check, the operator should do an operational pre-use check with the key turned on. ## What should an operator inspect during the visual pre-use check? - General condition and cleanliness. - Floor - clear of objects that could cause an incident. - Overhead - no obstructions. - Nearby objects to avoid as you drive away. - Fire extinguisher - present, mounted on forklift and charged. - Engine oil level, fuel level, radiator fluid level (liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), gas, and diesel forklifts). Forklift Trucks - Daily Checks CCOHS

Source excerpt

# Forklift Trucks - Common Factors in Forklift Incidents (cont.) ## What characteristics of the load create a hazard? (cont.) - Load is too heavy. - Load is unstable or blocking the operator's vision. ## What mechanical conditions or design features increase the risk of forklift incidents? - Malfunction of brakes. - Malfunction of steering. - Malfunction of clutch, shift linkage, or transmission. - Malfunction of mast assembly. - Leaks in hydraulic systems or transmission. - Safety devices lacking, inadequate, or malfunctioning. - Emissions from forklifts. - Blind spots or obstructions blocking the driver's view. - Poor layout of controls and displays. ## How can incidents with pedestrians be reduced or avoided? - Separate the pedestrian and forklift traffic by creating designated walkways or travel ways. - Restrict people from entering areas where the forklift is operating. If not possible, develop safe work procedures to protect workers when they must enter areas where forklifts are operating. - Keep a safe distance from the forklift whenever possible. - Pedestrians should always let the driver know they are in the area. Make eye contact with the driver to ensure your presence is known. - Make sure the area is well-lit and there are no obstructions. - Be cautious near blind corners, doorways, and narrow aisles. Sound the forklift horn at intersections. - Install mirrors at intersections. - Use high-visibility clothing, where appropriate. - Limit forklift travel speed. Forklift Trucks - Common Factors in Forklift Incidents CCOHS

Source excerpt

# Forklift Trucks - Professional Operator (cont.) ## What should an operator do when operating the forklift truck? (cont.) - Check for adequate overhead clearance before raising the load. - Operate a forklift smoothly when stopping, starting, lifting and tilting. - Know the blind spots of the lift truck with and without a load. - Use corner mirrors, back-up alarms, buzzers and warning lights to help prevent collisions. - Communicate with workers who are nearby so they understand where you plan to travel. - Keep pedestrians away from a forklift in operation. Operate with extreme caution when near pedestrians and yield the right of way to pedestrians. - Stop when anyone crosses the route being travelled. Lower the load to the floor, and wait until it is clear. - Operate at a safe speed, taking into consideration all conditions. - If loading another vehicle (e.g., transport truck), verify that the load wheels on the other vehicle are chocked before driving into the space. - Use proper procedures when travelling on inclines or ramps. See Forklift Trucks - Maintaining Truck Control. - Ensure that the fire exits, stairways and fire equipment are not blocked by the truck or the load. - Wear leather gloves when moving or shifting loads or when checking skids. - Wear fully laced safety boots to provide impact protection when moving loads or skids and to provide ankle support when mounting and dismounting the lift truck. - Remain alert and prepare for the unexpected. - Note anything that affects the normal operation of the forklift and tell the supervisor immediately. - Keep hands, arms, head, feet and legs inside the confines of a moving forklift. - Stay in the truck in case of overturn. - Maintain posture in the direction of travel. - Go over railroad tracks at an angle, where possible. - Make sure no one is standing or passing under the elevated portion of the forklift truck. - Report any collisions, damage or near-miss incidents to a s…

Source excerpt

CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Forklift Trucks # Forklift Trucks - Load Handling ## On this page How should you load the forklift truck? How should you raise the load? How should you insert the fork when loading the forklift truck? ## How should you load the forklift truck? Do not exceed the recommended load limit of your lift truck. Each lift truck has a maximum load limit. The load limit is shown on the data plate of the lift truck. FORKLIFT SERIAL NO. D90 [redacted identifier] 5 CAPACITY Load Limit (kg) 1800 kg AT 60 CM LOAD CENTRE WITH UPRIGHTS VERTICAL Load Centre (cm) TYPE G CHARGE KILOGRAMS MAXIMUM RATING A* B Height forks 1 800 60 365 will lift (cm) FOUR RATING WITH ATTACHMENTS SEE ATTACHMENT NAME PLATE DO NOT EXCEED RATING - Use the proper lift fixture or attachment for special loads (such as carpet spike or drum grappler). - Position the load according to the recommended load centre. The load limit of the lift truck decreases as the load centre is raised. - Do not add extra weight to counterbalance an overload. - Keep loads close to the front wheels to keep lift truck stable. - If the load is unbalanced (by its characteristics), keep the heavier end closer to the front wheels. Tilt the mast back. Forklift Trucks - Load Handling CCOHS

Source excerpt

# Forklift Trucks - Common Factors in Forklift Incidents (cont.) ## What factors related to forklift operation can contribute to incidents? - Travelling at excessive speed. - Riding with the load elevated. - Improper backing-up techniques. - Improper turning, braking or accelerating. - Improper warnings to others about a forklift in use nearby. - Poor communication during shared tasks or in shared spaces. - Not being aware of the route to be travelled (e.g., narrow passages, obstacles, poor surface conditions, etc.). - Riding or giving rides on forklift or load. - Parking the forklift improperly. - Horseplay; stunt driving; jerky, erratic driving. ## How can workplace design contribute to forklift truck incidents? - Narrow aisles. - Crowded, cluttered aisles. - Shelving that has components that could hit or intrude into the operator area. - Obstructions at intersections and doors. - Volume of traffic in the work area. - Pedestrians who are walking and working in the general area of forklift operations. Other workplace conditions such as noise, inadequate ventilation, or poor lighting. - Ramps or flooring with different surfaces. - Condition of the loading dock. ## What characteristics of the load create a hazard? - Items are poorly stacked or piled on the pallet in a way that results in an unstable load. - Pallets are in poor repair. Forklift Trucks - Common Factors in Forklift Incidents CCOHS

Source excerpt

CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Forklift Trucks # Forklift Trucks - Common Factors in Forklift Incidents ## On this page What factors contribute to forklift truck incidents? What factors of work organization can contribute to forklift truck incidents? What factors related to forklift operation can contribute to incidents? How can workplace design contribute to forklift truck incidents? What characteristics of the load create a hazard? What mechanical conditions or design features increase the risk of forklift incidents? How can incidents with pedestrians be reduced or avoided? ## What factors contribute to forklift truck incidents? Many work-related factors, such as work organization, workplace design and mechanical conditions, can contribute to incidents. Grouping them into specific categories may help to analyze incidents and, eventually, to prevent them. ## What factors of work organization can contribute to forklift truck incidents? - Production factors such as speed or stress. - Lack of proper tools, attachments and accessories. - Improper assignment of forklifts and operators. - Poor maintenance of forklifts. - Age of forklifts. - Lack of training or improper training of workers who have to operate forklift trucks. - Improper blocking of wheels on semi-trailers or railway cars. Forklift Trucks - Common Factors in Forklift Incidents CCOHS

Source excerpt

CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Forklift Trucks # Forklift Trucks - Fork Safety ## On this page How often should the forks of forklift trucks be inspected? What are some important points of a periodical (six months) fork inspection? What are some things you should not do to forklift forks? ## How often should the forks of forklift trucks be inspected? Under normal operating conditions, forks should be inspected daily and every six months. Daily: Operators should make visual inspection of forks during the pre-start-up check, giving special attention to permanent distortions, cracks, and excessive oil or water on the blades. Six months: A thorough inspection of forks should be done every six months, preferably by a trained individual, to check for any deformations, failures or damage that might lead to unsafe conditions. Forks may need inspections more often, depending on the use of the equipment. Check with your jurisdiction for any requirements regarding frequency of checks and maintenance. A list of Canadian government departments responsible for health and safety can be found here. ## What are some important points of a periodical (six months) fork inspection? - Check fork blades and shanks for wear. Forks are constantly subjected to abrasion by concrete floors, steel shelving, etc. This abrasion can reduce the thickness of a fork until it cannot lift loads up to the designed capacity. Pay close attention to the heel. - Check for distortion. Fork blades and shanks can be bent out of shape. Depending on distortion, some forks can be straightened. The fork manufacturer is best qualified to correct this. Your local forklift supplier can make the arrangements. Forklift Trucks - Fork Safety CCOHS

Source excerpt

CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Forklift Trucks # Forklift Trucks - Traffic Management ## On this page Why is important to manage forklift trucks and pedestrian traffic? What should be considered when planning for forklift truck traffic management in a workplace? What are some controls that can be considered in a traffic management plan? ## Why is important to manage forklift trucks and pedestrian traffic? Traffic management is one way to minimize the risk of an incident by creating controls to ensure everyone's safety. When planning for traffic management, be sure to consult with the health and safety committee or representative, forklift operators, and workers (including pedestrians) who have tasks in the area. After controls are in place, they must be regularly reviewed to ensure their effectiveness. A forklift truck safety program should consider many factors. Please see the various other OSH Answers documents on forklift trucks for more information. ## What should be considered when planning for forklift truck traffic management in a workplace? Create a written traffic management plan. Conduct a hazard assessment to determine what hazards are present and what controls are required. Factors specific to traffic control include: - The flow of all traffic, including both forklift truck and pedestrian needs - The tasks or jobs being done, including areas where there is a higher potential for collisions - The braking distance of forklift trucks when carrying a load, the distance loads could fall (including rolling or splashing), and factors that affect forklift stability - The equipment or items used or stored in the area Forklift Trucks - Traffic Management CCOHS