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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.
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
TYPES OF FORKLIFTS • 3 types generally used in construction • Industrial counter balanced lift truck • Rough terrain counter balanced lift truck • Telescopic material handler
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
ROUGH TERRAIN COUNTER BALANCED TYPE • Similar to industrial type • Larger pneumatic tyres • Rough terrain capabilities • Good ground clearance • Usually diesel engine
TELESCOPIC TYPE • Crane type boom • Hydraulic power • Telescopic • 4 wheel drive • 4 wheel steer • Stabilizers • Other useful attachments
LIFT TRUCK OPERATORS • Selection of operators • Physical and mental fitness
TRAINING • Basic • Job specific • Familiarization
TESTING • Certification • Continuous assessment
AUTHORIZATION TO OPERATE • Written permission • Driver competent • Set duration • Lockable ignition • Key holder
FAMILIARIZATION OF SITE ROUTES • Laydown areas • Pedestrian routes / crossings • Other traffic • Excavations • Other obstructions • Gradients • Unstable surfaces
PEDESTRIANS / PERSONNEL • Safe work systems • Segregation of pedestrians • Audible warning devices • Flashing beacon • High visibility clothing • Head and foot protection • Reversing beeper • Side mirrors
MAINTENANCE • Hydraulics • Brakes • Battery • Lights • Steering • Mast • Chains • Tyres • Operator’s cab
DAILY CHECKS • Tyre pressure • Brakes / hand break • Horn • Lights / beacon • Fuel • Water • Oil • Battery • Hydraulic leaks
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
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
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
REFUELING • Diesel • Gas • Electric
DIESEL FUEL • Use refueling area • Turn off engine and use parking brake • Avoid overfilling the fuel tank
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
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
“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
“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
“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