primarily to move materials

forklifts are important part of material handling

but when not

they could be very dangerous

each year in the united states nearly one hundred workers are killed and

another twenty thousand

are seriously injured

in forklift related incidence

these statistics indicated many workers and employers

are not using

or maybe unaware of safety procedures

and the proper use of forklifts

to reduce the risk of injury and death

for this reason it is imperative that all forklift operators receive periodic

training. This way

any bad habits developed

can be corrected quickly before they become part of the operators daily

routine

this video program is designed

to assist forklift trainers with their safety training efforts

and gives a brief overview of forklift training procedures and methods which

may be employed

It should be used in conjunction

with the more comprehensive written manual

"A Trader's Guide to Forklift Safety".

Cal/OSHA regulations

require that employers properly trained all of their forklift operators

to be safe and confident

forklift drivers.

This requirement is the filled by implementing the workplace safety

training program

in order to be compliant

the training must consist of a combination of three components.

Formal instruction

this portion

must consist of a lecture

video presentations

discussion with employees and the use of written materials or similar methods

practical training

this component

must include demonstrations by the trainer

as well as practical exercises performed by the forklift operator

Wokplace Evaluations

an evaluation of the forklift operators performance in the workplace

must be conducted.

All forklift safety training

should be based on the information specified in Cal/OSHA general industry

safety order 3668

this regulation provides information about forklift safety training

requirements

safety training program content and forklift certification requirements.

A

pre trip safety check must be completed each day before operating your

forklift

Cal/OSHA regulations mandates that a forklift must be checked

once per shift for safety deficiencies before it is operated

the safety check is an important

part of the forklift safety program

because it helps identify mechanical failures

this leads to fewer mechanically related forklift safety hazards

which may lead to less injuries to the forklift operator and other employees

prior to the safety check

the operators should review the manufactures forklift manual

to become familiar with the forklifts operating controls

and performance limitations

when conducting the safety check

a checklist should be used to document safety deficiencies and mechanical

problems

the checklist also serves as proof

that the safety check was performed

Use a checklist specific to your workplace to document the safety check

Be sure to give attention to the proper functioning of tires, horns,

lights, batteries,

controllers, brakes, steering mechanism cooling system and the lift system of

the forklift.

these safety checks

must be completed at least once per shift

when the checklist has been completed

it should be filed and maintained with other safety records

when a deficiency is identified

notify your supervisor immediately

so that it can be corrected

if the repairs on the fortlift cannot be made immediately

remove the forlift from service

this prevents others from unknowingly using the disabled lift

driving a forklift

is very different than operating a car

unlike a car the rear wheels are used to steer the fortlift

the center of gravity of the forklift is higher than a car

so the weight of the forklift is distributed differently

due to these factors, a sharp turn combined with too much speed

can cause a rollover accident.

Forklifts are also commonly operated on wet or smooth surfaces

which may be slippery

conditions such as these

may also lead to accidents if the fork lift operator is not working safely

securely fasten your seat belt at all times while operating the forklift

be sure to use the correct personal protective equipment for the job

and never allow passengers to ride on the forks' upper lifts for any reason

operate the forklift at a safe speed

even when there is little forklift or pedestrian traffic

when driving behind other forklifts maintain a safe distance of

approximately three trucklanes

and never pass at intersections or blind spots

slowdown

and sound the horn when approaching blind corners

and treat all cross aisles with caution

watch carefully for holes in the driving surface that could lead to an accident

many forklift drivers are injured

when they are run over by their own forklift

this occurs

when an operator exits the forklift before it has come to a complete stop

when exiting your forklift always come to a complete stop

lower the forks to the ground and set the parking brake

when leaving the forklift unattended set the parking brake bring the mast to the

vertical position lower the forks to the ground

turn the forklift off and remove the keys

a forklift is considered to be unattended when the driver travels more

than twenty five feet from the forklift

or when the forklift is out of the driver's sight according to Cal/OSHA

driving a forklift up or down inclines, ramps or hills presents special hazards

that forklift operators should be aware of

when ascending or descending inclines or ramps, forklift operators should

drive slowly with the load kept upgrade and load to the ground

on all grades keep the load slightly tilted back if necessary

never attempt to turn a forklift on an incline or ramp

it could affect the forklift's stability

and lead to a serious accident

Lifting and transporting loads

is an activity

that a forklift operator performs many times during the workday

for this reason

it is important to use safe procedures each time a lift is performed

the maximum load capacity and the load center of the forklift

must be posted on each forklift and the nameplate must be legible to the driver

before starting the lift

know the weight of the cargo

and make sure it is not beyond the rated lifting capacity of the forklift you

are operating

if the load you are trying to lift is too heavy for the forklift

the rear of the forklift will raise

this changes the forklift's center of gravity

and increases the risk of an accident

which could result in a serious injury

or cause damage to the forklift

each load should be stacked properly and the weight of the load should be evenly

distributed before attempting a lift

never left or transport a load that is leaking liquids or material

if the load is damaged contact your supervisor immediately

if the load being carried obstructs forward view

lift or lower the load

to the proper traveling height and drive with the load trailing. Keep all body parts within the riding part of the forklift