guide to health and safety for fork-lift truck drivers

G u i d e t o H e a l t h a n d S a f e t y f o r

Fork-L i f tTruck Dr ivers

G u i d e t o H e a l t h a n d S a f e t y f o r

Fork-L i f tTruck Dr ivers

SAFETY GUIDE FOR FORK-LIFT TRUCK DRIVERS FREMAP

3

Riesgos para el conductor

CONTENTS

1. The machine: fork-lifttrucks ............................................. 4

Physical characteristics ................. 4

Functional characteristics ............ 5

Stability of the truck and load ... 6

2. Working with fork-lifttrucks ...................................... 10Limitations using the trucks ...... 10

Responsibilities ............................. 10

Storage of materials .................... 11

Loading and unloading operations ..................................... 12

Transporting loads ...................... 14

Stopping the trucks .................... 16

Using service lifts ......................... 16

Crossing of cables over the work area ............................... 17

Crossing railway lines and ridges ..................................... 17

Tidiness and cleanliness ........... 17

Traffic regulations ........................ 18

3. Equipmentsmaintenance ........................ 18Daily checklist .............................. 18

Regular maintenance inspections ..................................... 20

Maintenance of the safety portico ............................... 21

4. Main Risks andpreventive measures .... 21

Main Risks for the driver .............. 21

Main Risks for pedestrians ......... 24

Main Risks in loading fuel ........ 26

Main Risks in charging batteries ......................................... 27

Main Risks in replacing the LPG gas cylinder ................... 29

5. Dangerous manoeuvresand habits ......................... 30

Dangerous manoeuvres ............. 30

Dangerous habits ......................... 30

How to proceed in the event of an Accident .............. 31

In all accident ............................ 31

In the event the machine topples sideways ...................... 31

In the event the machine topples frontways ...................... 32

Workers’ Obligationsregarding occupational Risk Prevention ....................... 32

FREMAP SAFETY GUIDE FOR FORK-LIFT TRUCK DRIVERS

4

1. THE MACHINE: FORK-LIFT TRUCKS

Physical characteristics

Structure

• Front part: a mast with forks (flat, parallel forks,usually with a pre-established length).

• Central part: driver’s seat.

• Rear part: counterweight.

Driver’s seat

Counterweight

Mast

ForksWheels

The steering

Mast

The mast is formed by one or more frames each with two parallel bars. The fork-holder slides betweenboth bars.

The masts may be:

• single, for stacking loads that do not exceed 2 metres in height.• telescopic, for stacking at great heights.

The mast can be moved from top to bottom, forwards (to 3º) or backwards (to 12º).

Forks

The forks are resistant elements that are inserted underneath the load so it can be moved.

They may be fixed or mobile, and manoeuvred from the driver’s seat.

The part of the forks that joins the fork-holder is called the heel. The heel supports the loads.

4 wheels 3 wheels

transmissions drivewheel

❷

1. Just one steering driver.2. One steering drive for each wheel.3. Drive and steering in rear wheel (smaller turning radius).

transmissions

4 wheels 3 wheels 3 wheels

drivewheel

drivewheel

❸❶


5

Functional characteristicsBefore you are starting work the driver must be acquainted with the manufacturer's guidelines, inorder to know:

• how to use the controls;

• which safety measures to adopt;

• what the indicators and pilot lamps indicate;

• what the maximum load is;

• where to drive the truck, depending on its size and weight;

• if it is an electric truck, for how long it can operate without the batteries having to be charged.

Counterweight

The counterweight is a steel block placed at the rear of the truck.

It ensures the back wheels are always in contact with the ground. In that way, it is more difficultfor the truck to topple over

Driver’s seat

It has the following:

• the panel and indicators;

• the steering wheel and controls;

• the starting key;

• the seat;

• safety elements such as a safety belt.

Wheels

The wheels may be:

• pneumatic and inflated with air for uneven terrain;

• solid, for smooth, clean surfaces. These wheels may be:

– solid elastic wheels.

– solid super-elastic wheels.

Types of engine

Fork-lift trucks may have two different kinds of engines:

• thermal or explosion engines (running on petrol, diesel or LGP) or

• electric engines (only for trucks up to 10,000 kg, and with less autonomy that thermal engines).


6

Stability of the truck and loads

Stability triangle

Toppling backwards is a more common occurrencein a fork-lift truck than in an automobile. This isbecause the steering axle (rear axle) of the truck isjoined to the chassis by the central part only, formingan imaginary triangle with the front wheels: thestability triangle. Consequently the truck behavesas if it had two front wheels and just one rear wheel.

The centre of gravity

The centre of gravity is a point that acts as if the whole weight of the load were on it.

However:

• in objects formed by different materials, the centre of gravity may be in quite a different place(far from the geometric centre);

• when transporting liquids, the centre of gravity will vary depending on the movement; this iswhat is known as the «wave effect».

Losing stability

The fork-lift truck will become unstable if the load is extremely long or very heavy.

YES

NO!NO!


7

Factors which affectie stability

Position of the load: it is important to adjust the load to the fork heel, so that the distancefrom the latter to the centre of gravity of the load is as small as possible.

Position of the mast: when you are driving the truck, both when loaded and when empty,the mast must always be folded and leaning backwards.

2

1

Height of the load: the right height of the forks from the ground is from 15 to 20 cm. Inthat way, it is more difficult for the truck to topple over.

3

15 - 20 cm

NO!

NO! YES

YES


8

Overloading: if the load weighs too much, the truck may topple over. When you are transportingheavy loads, it is best to divide the load up into different groups and move each one separately.

4

Gradient: the risk of the truck toppling over is greater if the ground is sloping. The maximumgradient must not exceed 10%.

Floor surface characteristics: it is safer to work on smooth, flat, clean surfaces that areresistant to weight and the acceleration and braking manoeuvres of the truck.

Position of the forks on a ramp: to avoid toppling over, the load must always face the toppart of the ramp, both when you are ascending and descending.

Sharp changes in speed: braking sharply, accelerating and reducing speed will increase therisk of the truck toppling over.

Changes in direction: sharp turns of the truck may cause it to topple over.

Moving the truck on a ramp: the truck may topple over when you are driving across aramp or turning, and should only descend forwards if the load is stable and the backwardsangle of the mast is greater than the ramp gradient.

10

9

8

7

6

5

Maximum gradient: 10%

NO! YES


9

Stability of the load

The most usual forms of transport are:

• transporting with supported loads (supported by the forks);

• transporting loads on pallets (placed on pallets and anchoredto them).

For the load-truck system to remain stable, the load diagram onthe fork-lift truck plate must be borne in mind.

Loads on pallets are more stable, but the stability of the load depends on:

• the pallet design, which must be appropriate for the load to be placed on it;

• the pallet size, which should never be less than the load;

• the pallet resistance: the maximum load must never exceed 700 kg (illustrations 1a and 1b);

• the pallet integrity;

• the correct anchoring and placing on the pallet (illustrations 2a and 2b);

• the height of the stack: as low as possible, and never interfering with the vision of the driver;

• the height of the load on the pallet, which must never exceed 1.5 m;

• the position of the load on the forks: the pallet must be centred, close to the heel and anchoredat resistant points.

1a 1b

2a 2b

AUTOMATIC FORK-LIFT TRUCK

MAXIMUM USE CAPACITIES

SIMBOLS(based on the guidelines)

ELEVATION HEIGHT

VERTICAL MAST

NOMINALCAPACITY kg at mm

m

m1 - Up to the elevation height

2 - For a maximum height of

TOTAL WEIGHT WHEN EMPTY

Minimum weight of the battery (electric)

Distance D : mm

Mast leaningforwards

Pm

G

D

Pm

m

kg

kg

1

kg

1

2

kg

2

NO!

NO! YES

YES


10

2. WORKING WITH FORK-LIFT TRUCKS

Limitations using the trucksGeneral precautions

• The height and width of the workplace must be in proportion to the size of the truck.

• The truck should be resistant to any uneven levels in the surface where it is operating.

• The weight of the transported load should never exceed the maximum weight recommendedby the truck manufacturer.

Precautions when using thermal fork-lift trucks

• Trucks with thermal engines are not appropriate for working in potentially explosive areas.E.g., near warehouses stocked with fuel, paint, varnish... There are electrical truck that arespecially designed for working in these places.

• Trucks with thermal engines should not be used in small areas or spaces with poor ventilation,since the exhaust fumes could lead to intoxication.

ResponsabilitiesDrivers will prevent accidents and injury or damage arising in their job:

• Material damages:– To the truck.– To the premises.– To the load.

• Injury to persons:– To the driver himself.– To pedestians.

To ensure that the drivers carry out their jobs in a responsible manner, they should be familiarwith:

• The equipment.

• The workplace and place in which they are working.

– The loads they have to move (weight, size, characteristics).

– The type of pallets they should use.

– The type of stacking they should make.

– The widths of passages and narrow areas that they may encounter while you are working.

– The door clearances.

– The clearances of the liquids or power lines.

– The state of the floor surfaces.

– The state of cleanliness of the work surface.

– The existence of different levels and obstacles.

• The risks and prevention measures.


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As part of his work, the supervisor is obliged to:

• ensure the drivers adopt safe habits in carrying out their works;

• know the guidelines indicated for drivers;

• order and plan the work taking into account the safety aspects to be observed when they areworking with fork-lift trucks;

• keep the truck area clean and tidy;

• observe the drivers, correct their mistakes and offer them advice.

• Store all rigid long materials (sections, bars, pipes, etc.) properly stacked and held in place withsupports.

• If the sections are put in place horizontally, place them far from passageways and protect the ends.

• Place sacks on the cross layers, with the sack mouth facing towards the centre of the pile, forminga step for every 1.5 m in height.

• Store small parts in containers or baskets.

• Stack pipes or round materials in layers, separated by intermediate supports and anchoring elements.

• Put cylindrical containers on pallets for storage purposes.

Storage of materials

Unpackaged materials

Shelves

• Enlarge the support surface with intermediate bars.

• Drive carefully to avoid bumping into shelves.

• Start raising the load with the truck completely stopped.

• Keep the load raised only for short periods while it is stacking or unstacking, to prevent the truckfrom toppling forwards.

• When you are stacking loads, start with the empty lower shelves.

• With shelves of more than 4 m in height, use elevating trucks with an automatic system for settingthe elevation heights.

• Do not use the forks to rectify the pallet position: raise it again and put it in the correct place.


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• Remove or place loads from or on the stack with vertical movements.

• If the load sways, stop the manoeuvre, leave the load somewhere else and ascertain the reasonfor the swaying.

• Do not leave loaded pallets piled one on top of another.

• Do not form stacks of more than 6 m in height.

• Even though containers with less than 50 litres can be stored against the wall or forming apyramid, do not exceed 7 stacking levels or a height of 5 m.

Loading and unloading operations

Movements

The movement of the truck, load and the movement of the mast are movements that must always bemade separately and consecutively, and never at once.

Stacking at heights

NO!


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❷ Place the mast in vertical positionand insert the forks up to the heel.

❸ Lift the load a few centimetres andlean the mast backwards.

❹ Before moving backwards, lookover both shoulders while at thesame time observing the load.

❺ Turn and move forwards.

❶ Move forwards perpendicularly andfrom the centre, until you are 30 cmfrom where you are going to leavethe load.

❷ Put the mast in vertical position.

❸ Lower the load to the floor and theforks a few centimetres more tounhook them from the pallet.

❹ Look over your shoulder beforemoving backwards, checking thatthe forks come out easily.

❺ When the tips of the forks are about30 cm from the load, lean the mastbackwards and turn to driveforwards.

❶ Move forwards perpendicularly andfrom the centre, until you are 30 cmfrom the pallet.


14

Transporting loads

• To prevent the truck from toppling sideways, fold the mast backwards and lower the forks, ata distance of no more than 15 cm from the floor.

• When you are driving on ramps, do it slowly without turning, moving in a straight line andfollowing the maximum gradient.

• When the truck is loaded, always drive down the ramps backwards.

• In transporting loads, the truck forks must be in the correct position.

Passing through doors and narrow areas

The following is ALWAYS recommended, except inside trucksor on railway platforms:

• Leave a clearance of at least 50 cm between the end, sideand upper parts and fixed elements in the workplace.

• Mark off narrow zones with black and yellow stripes at anangle of 45º.

NO! YES


15

If the driving direction is two-way, aminimum width of double the width ofthe truck or its load plus 1.40 m isrecommended.

• Minimum width:

If the driving direction is one-way, theminimum width should be the width ofthe truck or the load plus 1 m.

50 cm 50 cm40 cm50 cm50 cm

Anchoring heads.

Vertical part of the frame.Horizontal part of the frame.

Transporting drums.

Round loads

Round loads such as drums can betransported with fork-lift trucksfitted with special accessories, e.g.an all-in-one mechanical clampor special containers for drums.

The mechanical clamp is formedby:

• A frame: two parallel steel barsfor inserting the forks.

• A set of anchoring heads.


16

Working in docks

• Always look before starting to move, to avoid falling intothe water.

• Always bear in mind how far away from the edge of thedock you are at all times.

• Take control over the loading and unloading operations.

• Immobilise trailers until the loading and unloading operationshave finished:

– using mechanical system;

– using special chocks for immobilising trucks, on both sideof the wheels and anchored to the ground with chains toprevent theft or loss.

• Establish a clear communications system with truck drivers (they should know when they canmove their trucks).

• Check that the loading ramp is resistance, clean and well anchored.

• Ensure that the loading ramp has a small gradient, if possible.

• Check that the loading ramp is wide enough for the truck to enter and leave in a straight line.

• If using permanent levellers, check they have safety stops and a skirting board.

• Check that the lateral edges of the loading ramp are raised, so that the driver can feel them whenthey are touching the edge with the wheels.

Stopping the trucks

• Never stop the truck in places that obstruct passageways for vehicles and pedestrians, on rampsor in prohibited areas: emergency doors, eyewashes, hoses, fire extinguishers...

• Lower the forks to the ground to prevent people can knocked against them.

• Even though you only leave the truck for a few seconds, stop the engine, put on the handbrakeand take out the starting key to prevent unauthorised persons from using it.

Using service lifts

• Check the lift is designed for the weight of the loaded fork-lift truck and authorised for personsto use it.

• Given its dimensions, drive slowly and in a straight line.

• Once inside, switch off the engine and put on the handbrake. Do not get off the truck if this isnot necessary.


17

Crossing of cables over thework area

• Do not pass over laid cables if they are not protected or protect them with a stiff, firm elementanchored to the ground.

• Mark all laid cables and warn other drivers.

• Cross the cable perpendicular to it and very slowly to prevent the truck from toppling over.

• If you are crossing a railway line, check for the passage of trains.

• Approach the cable perpendicular to it, reduce speed and ensure both front wheels cross it atthe same time.

Crossing railway lines and ridges

Tidiness and cleanliness

If you see any objects or dirt on the floor:

– One. If it is possible and not dangerous, clean the area. If this is not possible or dangerous(e.g., a corrosive substance), mark the place and inform the person in charge.

– Two. Ask yourself about the risks related to dirt.


18

Traffic regulations

• Pedestrian always have right of way:

– One. Warn that you are near by sounding the horn.

– Two. Check you are at least 1 m from the pedestrian.

• When you are driving behind another fork-lift truck, keep a safety distance of 3 times thetruck length.

3 times thetruck length

3. EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE

Daily checklist

Why make a daily checklist?

Because to perform a work safe and proper the truck must operate correctly.

Who should make it?

The driver is responsible to check thetruck every day, and taking note of anyirregularity observed.

When should the check be made?

• When you are starting the work shift.

• After rest periods, if anyone has used it.

• After being used by someone who is not a member of the usual squad.

• When, after starting work, any irregularity is observed in its operation.

Which elements must be checked?

Levels:

• The battery levels or fuel tank level.

• The water in the engine cooling system, in the case of a thermal truck.


19

Running when it is empty:

• The condition of the brakes.

• Absence of hydraulic oil underneath the truck.

• The smooth operation of the accelerator.

• The effectiveness of the handbrake.

• The condition of the anchoring chains.

• The engine and hydraulic oil.

• The smooth movement of the steering wheel, checking the clearance.

• Wear and tear of the wheels.

• The integrity and symmetry of the forks with respect to the axle.

• The condition of the fork holder and mechanical mast elements.

• The smooth operation and constant movement of each hydraulic circuit (up to its maximumextension in both directions) and its mechanical elements.

• The operation of the indicator and reverse beeper.

• The correct operation of the dead man press button, if the truck has one.

• The horn.

Common irregularities:

• Dripping or leaking of oil, fuel orother liquids.

• Damage to the electric insulationon hoses.

• Alteration in the battery terminals.

• Loss of air in wheels with inflatabletyres.

• Wearing of the wheels.

• Deforming of the forks.

• Alteration in the symmetry of theforks with respect to the axle.

• Physical damage to the fork-holderand mechanical elements of themast.

If the machine shows an anomaly:

• Do not use it.

• Repair it if you are authorised to do so, and if not, inform the person in charge.


20

Regular maintenance inspections

Why should they be carried out?

Because certain elements and anomalies need a detailed, careful inspection by someone with theappropriate special knowledge.

Regular maintenance inspections:

Who performs them?

Specialised companies or persons who are trained and authorised to do so by the company. All theoperations performed are noted down on the truck maintenance sheet.

When must they be performed?

They are performed based on the most demanding of the following criteria:

• The indications of the manufacturer.

• The indications resulting from longstanding experience in the Company.

• The indications in the internal Company regulations.

What elements are inspected?

In regular maintenance inspections, thefollowing elements are inspected:

• Those wich are indicated in the fork-lift truckmaintenance guides.

• Those wich are set down in the Company’sinternal regulations.

• Those that experience leads us to think areelements that must always be checked.

• The safety portico.


21

Maintenance of the safety portico

• No rust spots.

• It must be firmly fixed to the machine chassis.

• Welded areas must not have fissures orbreakages.

• Any deformations it has must not affect itsresistance.

• Vision is clear for picking up and leavingloads at a height.

Safety portico

4. RISKS AND PREVENTIVE MEASURESRisks for the driver

• When you are turning.

• Due to the surface of the floor.

• Other: offcentred loading, breaking of the pallet,dangerous manoeuvres...

• Avoid making sharp movements

• On irregular floors, reduce speed, divide thecargo up into groups, hold the wheel firmlyand take all precautions.

Truck toppling sideways1


22

• When you are carrying a raised load, mast isleaning forwards of extended.

• When you are making sharp movements(braking suddenly or accelerating sharply whilemoving backwards).

• Braking or driving on a surface that is not totallyhorizontal and overloading the truck.

• When the truck loading ramp is detached orbreaks.

• Due to uneven floors, knocking against a kerbor falling into a ditch.

• Ensure the load is stable.

• Do not make sudden movements

• Do not overload the truck.

• Not driving on ramps with gradients of morethan 10%.

Truck toppling frontways2

There is a risk of injuries if the load falls due to excess weight for the protective portico, or if bottlesor containers break and the contents fall onto the driver or other operators.

• The load:– Not well stacked.– Not properly anchored, if formed by different pieces or parts.– Too high and with too small a base (unstable).– On a pallet in poor condition or one that is inappropriate.

• Driving on ramps:– Driving across them.– Ramp with too high a gradient.

• The floor: passing over holes or ridges.

• Lack of visibility:– Rain.– Non-transparent protective

materials placed over the truck.

Injuries due to the load falling3

NO!


23

Load:

• Use the appropriate containers.

• Anchor the loads on the pallets correctly.

• Check that the pallets are the right ones and ingood condition.

Visibility:

• Use elements to protect the truck from therain.

• Check that no protective materials impairvisibility.

Ramps:

• On ramps, drive slowly, perpendicularly to themand in a straight line, following the maximumgradient.

• Remember: the maximum gradient of the rampmust not exceed 10%.

Floor surfaces:

• Apply the prevention measures for workingon uneven surfaces.

Hands or clothes becoming trapped in the truck4

• Only handle those mechanical and hydraulicelements if you are trained and authorised todo so.

• Turn off and stop the truck engine beforerepairing it.

• Check that the pressure accumulator elementsare disconnected: stop the pump, empty thecylinders in both directions, as well as thepressure accumulator.

This can happen when handling the mechanicalor hydraulic elements of the truck.

NO!

YES


24

Knocking against fixed objects5

Collisions are caused by:

• lack of attention;

• a failure in the truck brakes;

• calculating the distances wrongly;

• working too quickly;

• poor visibility (excess height of the load).

• Pay attention

• Perform the daily inspection before startingwork

• Check your calculations.

• Drive backwards when the load prevents youfrom seeing the way or if you need to put yourhead out of the side of the truck to see it.

• If visibility is poor for manoeuvring, ask someonewho knows the job to help.

Risks for pedestrians

Being knocked down1

• Due to. the incorrect use of the truck by thedriver:

– not being attentive to pedestrians;

– performing unexpected manoeuvres or turns;

– starting to manoeuvre without looking first;

– not taking steps in the face of poor visibility.

• Due to distracted pedestrians.

Remember: pedestrians always have right ofway.

– Warn you are near by sounding the horn.

– Check that you are more than 1 m fromthe pedestrian.


25

Being crushed by a falling load2

If when pedestrians are near, the load becomesunstable due to:

• driving too fast;

• making sharp turns;

• the load is too high or off-centre;

• having the mast in the forwards position;

• not respecting the hazardous conditions ofthe work area.

• Organising your work correctly.

• Check you have enough space to manoeuvre.

• Execute the work carefully and without rushing.

• Remember how to act in the presence ofpedestrians in the workplace:– sound the horn;– check you are at least 1 m from the pedestrian.

• Always pay attention.

• Check the correct operation of the horn andbeeper before starting work.

• Check the correct operation of the alarm beeper.

• Mark the working zone, in accordance with therecommendations given.

• Do not transport pedestrians on the truck.

• Check that the brakes work properly.

• Working in narrow places.

• The driver has not seen the pedestrian.

• The pedestrian is near the truck and the fixedelements.

• The driver has no time to react.

• When he is driving backwards, the driver hasnot looked first.

• When it is driving backwards, the warningbeeper does not work.

• Working in places without the appropriatemarking.

• Transporting pedestrians on the truck.

• If when it is working the truck brakes fail.

• If when the truck is parked or stopped, thehandbrake does not function properly.

Being crushed by fixed objects3


26

It is important to check that the horn functions properlybefore starting work.

Check the proper operation of the handbrake to preventaccidents.

Risks in loading fuel

An explosion could take place due to the presence of flammable vapours, static electricity or thepresence of heat.

Before

• Switch off the engine.

• Check the lights and beepers are not connected to the electricity supply.

• Disconnect the battery.

• Do not work near operations in which heat is generated.

• Check there are no cables lying near the machine.

During

• Grounding the system: first check the earthing of the truck. The ground plug must be on anelement of the truck structure that permits good electrical continuity.

• Filling the tank: prevent spills by placing the hose in the opening before opening the valve.

• Correct position of the drip tray (under the hose).


27

Final check

• Close the fuel tank properly.

• Put the hose in the correct place.

• Clean any remains of fuel from theground and truck.

• Collect the equipment:

– Close the valve.– Remove the hose.– Close the fuel opening.– Disconnect the ground clamp.

Risks in charging batteries

• Batteries contain sulphuric acid and distilled water: when you are filling them with water, therecould be splashing and spilling.

• Gases are generated by batteries, which when you are emitted through the openings, could formpotentially explosive atmospheres.

• When it is charged less than 30%, the battery in electric fork-lift trucks may become damaged,causing the systems to fail.

Before• Switch off the engine, lights and beepers.

• Check the loading area is appropriate.

• Do not work near operations that could give off heat.

During

• Check you are not transporting any metal objects.

• Check you are wearing the necessary protective equipment.

• Check that the truck chest is always open.

• Check there are not metal objects on the batteries or in contact with their terminals or cables.

• Respect the charge intensity recommended by the manufacturer.


28

Final check

• Correct charging of the batteries.

• Correct placing of the connection hose.

Personal protection equipment

• Impact-proof goggles.

• Face shield.

• Waterproof gloves that do not conduct electricity

• Waterproof apron that does not conduct electricity.

• Safety footwear.

A safe charging area

• Ventilated.

• Non-conductive floor.

• Clean and dry.

• Far from activities entailing the risk of fire or explosion.

• With containers to collect potential acid leaks.

• Marked: electrical Risk and Smoking forbidden signs.

• CO2 extinguisher and eyewash system.


29

Risks in replacing the LPG gas cylinder

There could be an explosion due to the presence of flammablegases, static electricity or heat.

Before

• Check that the ventilation is adequate.

• Switch off the engine.

• Check the lights and beepers are not connected tothe electricity supply.

• Do not work near operations that could generate heat.

• Check for the absence of cables laid in the operatingzone.

During

• Grounding of the whole system: first of all, the truckground plug. The plug must be placed on an elementof the truck structure that permits good electricalcontinuity.

• Removing the empty cylinder: check that the cylindervalve and truck power valve are both closed.

• Positioning the new cylinder: check the correct supportand anchoring of the cylinder and the connection ofthe flexible hose.

• Collect the equipment.

Final check

• Use soapy water to check for leaks in the valves,leads or connections.


30

Dangerous manoeuvres

The following are dangerous manoeuvres:

• Driving a fork-lift truck without beingauthorised to.

• Overloading or increasing the counterweightof a truck.

• Lifting loads with just one fork.

• Driving a truck when one is not authorisedto drive it.

• Using the truck to push another vehicle.

• Use two trucks to move a load.

• Allowing someone to walk or stop under the forks.

• Organising competitions or games with the trucks.

5. DANGEROUS MANOEUVRES AND HABITS

Dangerous habits

The following are dangerous habits:

• Turning without reducing speed.

• Braking sharply.

• Descending ramps forwards when loaded.

• Not sounding the horn at corners and in placeswith poor visibility.

• Lifting or lowering a load during transport.

• Climbing off the truck without stopping theengine.

• Climbing onto shelves.

• Not putting a sign on the truck when it is temporarily out of service.

• Not blocking the truck when it is parked.

• Driving the truck with gloves, hands or footwear covered in slippery products.

• Driving a truck near people.

• Using the reverse gear as a brake.

• Not using the safety belt.


31

HOW TO PROCEED IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT

In all accidents...

Always act quickly but calmly.

Wounds

• Do not touch the wound.

• Do not apply ointments.

• Wash with soap and water.

• Cover with sterile gauze.

Electrocutions

• remove the victim from the current, using non-conductive elements (dry sticks or ropes).

• Take the victim to a hospital.

Burns by sulphuric acid

• Dot not apply ointments.

• Wash the area with abundant soap and water or bicarbonated water.

• Remove all clothing, rings, etc. that are stained with acid.

• Cover with sterile gauze.


Bleeding

• Press hard on the bleeding area with gauze or clean cloths.

• If the bleeding continues, add more gauze on top of the previous one and press down harder.

• Press your fingers hard on the bleeding artery.


In the event the machine topples sideways

• Never try to jump out (you will be crushed bythe machine).

• Hold onto the portico at the part that will beat the top.

• Use your legs to press your body against theseat.

• Keep your feet firmly on the floor.

• Bend forwards in the opposite direction towhere the truck is toppling.

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In the event the machine topples frontways

• Never jump out.

• Hold the wheel firmly.

• Press your body against the seat.

• Keep your feet firmly on the floor.

Workers’ Obligations Regarding Occupational Risk Prevention

Article 29 of the Occupational Risk Prevention Acts assigns to workers the obligation to keep watchover their own safety and health in the workplace and those of other persons that couldbe affected by their professional activities.

In particular, based on their training and the instructions of their employers, workers must:

• Make proper use of machines, appliances, tools, hazardoussubstances, transportation equipment and in general, anyother methods used to carry out their activities.

• Use the protection resources and equipment provided bytheir employers and maintain them correctly, and ifdamaged, request them to be replaced.

• Not disenable the safety devices in place and use themcorrectly.

• Immediately inform their immediate superiors of anysituation which, in their opinion, entails a risk to workers’safety and health.

• Cooperate with their employers so that they can guaranteesafe working conditions that pose no risks to the safety andhealth of their workers.

• Breach of the risk prevention obligations referred to in theforegoing paragraphs will be considered labour breaches,for the effects foreseen in article 58.1 of the Workers’ Statute.

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SAFETY GUIDE

FOR FORK-LIFT

TRUCK DRIVERS

I have received the Occupational Safety and Health Guidewhich includesthe risks and basic prevention measures for work involving the driving offork-lift trucks and a summary of the obligations of workers set forth inArticle 29 of the Occupational Risk Prevention Act.

I.D. Number:

Date:

Name and signature of the worker:

limpieza ok A4 25/10/07 10:02 P�gina 32

guide to health and safety for fork-lift truck drivers

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