forklift safety

Forklift safety regulations and guidelines encompass several critical areas, including pre-shift inspections, safe load handling, and pedestrian safety. These guidelines aim to minimize the risk of incidents and ensure a safe working environment.

Daily inspections of forklifts are essential. Operators should perform a visual check before starting the forklift and an operational check with the key turned on. These checks help identify any issues that could lead to unsafe conditions. [4] [4]

Key inspection points include:

• General condition and cleanliness
• Floor clear of objects
• Overhead free of obstructions
• Fire extinguisher present and charged
• Engine oil, fuel, and radiator fluid levels
• Foot brake, parking brake, and deadman seat brake functionality
• Clutch and gearshift operation
• Dash control panel lights and gauges
• Horn and back-up alarm functionality
• Lights (headlights and warning lights)
• Steering smoothness
• Lift and tilt mechanism operation
• Cylinders and hoses for leaks
• Unusual sounds or noises

[4] [10] Forks should be inspected daily for distortions, cracks, and excessive oil or water. A thorough inspection should be done every six months by a trained individual to check for deformations, failures, or damage. [2]

When handling loads, operators must:

• Know the forklift's load limit and never exceed it
• Assess the weight of the load
• Check for adequate overhead clearance before raising the load
• Operate the forklift smoothly when stopping, starting, lifting, and tilting
• Use proper procedures when traveling on inclines or ramps

[3] [3] [7] [7] [7] To ensure pedestrian safety:

• Separate pedestrian and forklift traffic with designated walkways
• Restrict people from entering forklift operating areas
• Maintain a safe distance from forklifts
• Ensure pedestrians make eye contact with the driver
• Keep the area well-lit and free of obstructions
• Use mirrors at intersections
• Use high-visibility clothing
• Limit forklift travel speed

[6] [6] [6] [6] [6] [6] [6] [6] Only trained, certified, or licensed workers should operate forklifts. Operators should be familiar with the forklift's route, looking for obstructions or restrictions. They should also communicate with nearby workers and yield the right of way to pedestrians. [3] [3] [7] [7]

Factors such as speed, stress, lack of proper tools, improper assignment of forklifts and operators, and poor forklift maintenance can contribute to incidents. Regular maintenance inspections should be conducted by trained technicians. [1] [1] [1] [1]

When servicing forklifts, only qualified persons should perform maintenance, following the manufacturer's schedule. Proper PPE should be worn, and batteries should be handled with care in well-ventilated areas. [8] [8] [8] [5]

A written traffic management plan should be created, including a hazard assessment, to manage forklift and pedestrian traffic. This plan should consider traffic flow, tasks being done, braking distances, and equipment or items stored in the area. [9] [9] [9] [9] [9]