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FORKLIFT SAFETY AWARENESS

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INTRODUCTION

Forklifts are very useful for moving raw materials, tools

and equipment in many industries including construction.

But unfortunately, they also feature prominently in work

place accidents. About 1/3 of all transport related

accidents involve lift trucks. These accidents result from a

lack of operator training, poor maintenance and no safe

systems of work regarding lift truck operations.

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SCOPE

As a lift truck operator it is necessary for you to familiarize yourself with site procedures regarding lift truck safe operation.

Types of lift trucks Lift truck operators Medical considerations Training Testing Authorization to operate

Familiarization with site routes Pedestrians / other personnel Maintenance Daily checks Operating a lift truck Refueling

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TYPES OF FORKLIFTS

3 types generally used in construction

Industrial counter balanced lift truck

Rough terrain counter balanced lift truck

Telescopic material handler

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INDUSTRIAL COUNTER BALANCED TYPE

Counter weight to balance

Mast

Only raise or lower

Only operate on smooth solid surfaces

Poor ground clearance

Usually solid tyres

Fueled by battery/electric, gas, diesel

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ROUGH TERRAIN COUNTER BALANCED TYPE

Similar to industrial type

Larger pneumatic tyres

Rough terrain capabilities

Good ground clearance

Usually diesel engine

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TELESCOPIC TYPE

Crane type boom

Hydraulic power

Telescopic

4 wheel drive

4 wheel steer

Stabilizers

Other useful attachments

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LIFT TRUCK OPERATORS

Selection of operators

Physical and mental fitness

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TRAINING

Basic

Job specific

Familiarization

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TESTING

Certification

Continuous assessment

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AUTHORIZATION TO OPERATE

Written permission

Driver competent

Set duration

Lockable ignition

Key holder

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FAMILIARIZATION OF SITE ROUTES

Laydown areas

Pedestrian routes / crossings

Other traffic

Excavations

Other obstructions

Gradients

Unstable surfaces

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PEDESTRIANS / PERSONNEL

Safe work systems

Segregation of pedestrians

Audible warning devices

Flashing beacon

High visibility clothing

Head and foot protection

Reversing beeper

Side mirrors

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MAINTENANCE

Hydraulics

Brakes

Battery

Lights

Steering

Mast

Chains

Tyres

Operator’s cab

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DAILY CHECKS

Tyre pressure

Brakes / hand break

Horn

Lights / beacon

Fuel

Water

Oil

Battery

Hydraulic leaks

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LIFTING AND TRANSPORTING OF LOADS

Load weight

Load security

Pallets

Lifting capacity

Check route

Over head hazards

Other traffic

Travelling load position

Speed limit

Loading bays

Defective equipment

Emergency exits

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OPERATIONS OF ROUGH TERRAINCOUNTER BALANCED LIFT TRUCKS

Tyres

Slippery slopes

4 wheel drive

Bounce

Parking brake

Forks position

Check route

Operator skill

Steep gradients

Site signage

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TELESCOPIC MATERIAL HANDLERS

4 wheel drive

Crab steer

Greater reach for stacking

More likely to over turn

Stabilizers

Telescopic boom

Automatic load indicators

Keep door shut

Safety belt

Limited visibility

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REFUELING

Diesel

Gas

Electric

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DIESEL FUEL

Use refueling area

Turn off engine and use parking brake

Avoid overfilling the fuel tank

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BATTERY CHARGING

Change in a well ventilated area

Use eye protection when making connections

Have eye wash facilities available

Have an acid neutralizing agent available

Don’t over fill the batteries with water

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PROPANE FUEL

Use refueling area

Set parking brake

Turn off fuel valve at cylinder

Let engine die to purge all LPP from lines

Disconnect cylinder and remove

Replace with full cylinder

Reconnect and turn on valve

Check for leaks

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“DON'T”

DO NOT Consume alcohol while at work Pick up a load if someone is standing close Allow people to walk underneath the load Try to pick up an unsuitable load Leave a lift truck unattended with the engine running Carry passengers Drive over cables or piping Operate with the load raised except at creep speed Drive forward is visibility is impaired by a load

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“DO’S”

DO Only issue keys to authorized drivers On completion of work, park lift truck in designated area Be careful with pedestrians / obey site rules / speed limits Sound horn at potential danger spots Stop before entering building, sound horn then proceed Avoid violent breaking

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“DO’S”

DO Always travel with the forks roughly 150 mm above ground level Travel slowly down slopes with the fork facing uphill Always use the hand brake when necessary Never travel across an incline Before you raise a load check over head for obstructions Always check for traffic when dismounting