Training your operators

“Experience is a good teacher, but her price is too high”

Understand the workplace

Forklift operators must be trained to identify hazards in the place to avoid potential accidents and injuries. No smashed toes.

Safely operating a forklift requires awareness of the conditions at your workplace. This module will identify potential hazards and possible solutions for the following aspects of the workplace:

Physical Conditions

Surface or ground conditions are an important part of safe lift truck operation. Operating surfaces must be strong enough to support the forklift, its load and its operator. They must also be free of holes, grease, oil or obstructions that could cause the lift truck to skid or bounce, and possibly tipover.

Pedestrian Traffic

Forklift operators should always be aware of conditions in their workplace, including pedestrian traffic. Forklift traffic should be separated from other workers and pedestrians where possible

Ramps and Grades

Forklift operators should follow certain general rules of the road when traveling on ramps and other inclines.

  • Traveling on Ramps and Grades
  • Traveling With a Load (Forks Upgrade)
  • Traveling Empty (Forks Downgrade)

Loading Docks

Loading docks can be dangerous places for forklifts. Falls from a loading dock in a forklift can be fatal.

When operating a forklift on a loading dock, slow down, watch out for others, and be aware of the edge of the dock.

Potential Hazards:

  • Falling off the edge of the dock.
  • Skidding or slipping due to wet or icy conditions.

Requirements and Recommended Practices:

  • Maintain a safe distance from the edge of loading dock.
  • Watch out for tail swing.
  • Keep working surfaces clear and clean.
  • Paint the edges of the loading dock to improve visibility.

Always look in the direction of travel.

Be careful at the edges of the loading docks.

Narrow Aisles

Conventional rack storage systems were designed for the counterbalanced lift truck, which requires about a 12 ft (144 in) aisle width. Narrow aisle storage systems accessible with reach trucks and order pickers require narrower aisle width and provide more storage space.

Elevators

  • Ensure the elevator has a rated capacity to safely lift the combined weight of the load and the truck.
  • Approach elevators slowly and enter squarely after the elevator car is properly leveled. Once on the elevator, neutralize the controls, shut off the power, and set the brakes. [29 CFR 1910.178(n)(12)]
  • Ensure adequate overhead clearance for truck and space in elevator for the truck and operator.

Enclosed and Hazardous Areas

When used indoors, forklifts powered with internal combustion engines can present indoor air quality hazards. Cold weather, with the closing of doors and windows, may increase the risk.

  • Do not operate a gasoline/propane/or diesel engine for long periods of time in a confined area, such as a truck trailer.
  • Shut the engine off when staying inside a small confined area like a trailer.
  • Do not operate a combustion engine within a warehouse, plant or onboard ship without adequate ventilation.
  • Be careful in cold weather. Doors and windows which are normally open may be closed and exhaust and other gases may concentrate.
  • Be careful in small rooms or blocked off areas where gases may accumulate.
  • Drive sensibly. Avoid racing the engine or idling for long periods of time.
  • Properly maintain engines and do not operate an engine requiring servicing. [29 CFR 1910.178(p)(1)]
  • Consider switching to battery-powered forklifts, if much of the work is in poorly ventilated spaces or operators may be over exposed to exhaust by products.
  • Consider upgrading the ventilation system.
  • Install CO monitors to detect levels.

Why wait! Get started TODAY! Order Kit