Forklift Safety - Understanding Stability , SWL & Safe Use

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Chapter : Forklift Safety

A forklift, also known as fork truck, is a motor-driven industrial truck used for lifting and moving goods on a pallet within the premises of a warehouse, storage facilities and distribution centre. Depending on the design, some Forklifts allow the operators to sit while driving or operating the machine.

Understanding Stability & SWL

Always ensure that the Safe Working Load (SWL) of a rider operator lift truck (ROLT) is greater that the lifting load to prevent accidents. 

The stability Triangle is key for A forklift balance depends on the inivisible triangle- overloading or improper handling can cause tipping and serious incidents.

Essestional Forklift saftey practices:

• Operater must be trained and licienced.
• Never exceed the SWL.
• Always consider the stability triangle.
• Maintain a safe distance from pedestrains.
• Avoid over-speeding. 
• Always wear seatbelt.
• Conduct pre-use inspection.
• Shedule preventive maintenance. 

Step Forklift Walk a round Inspection

The first step toward safe forklift operation is conducting the per-operational inspection. Forklift operators should conduct the inspection at the start of each work shift to ensure that the forklift will work properly. According to statictics, 1 in 15 forklift-related accidents are caused by improper maintenance. A thorough per-operational inspection will identify maintenance problems before they cause an accident.

Operators should follow your preoperational inspection checklist—not skipping any items—and then complete and sign the checklist.

The pre-operational inspection begins with a four-step walkaround :-

• First, the operator makes sure the forklift — is properly disengaged with the forks down, the key turned off, and the forklift set in neutral with the parking brake on.
• Second, the operator walks to either side of the forklift — checks the tires, making sure there are no gouges, tears, or imbedded metal, and that there is proper inflation; checks lug nuts; makes sure the axle is greased; checks the overhead guard, and sees that there is no debris lodged behind the mast.
• Third, the operator checks the front of the forklift — the forks and hoses should be in good condition; fork pins should be in place; the backrest should be solid; and the mast and chains should be greased.
• Fourth, the operator walks to the rear of the forklift — checks that the counterbalance bolt is tight, and the radiator is clear of debris and is not leaking.

One must follow when handling loads with a forklift:

• Center the load as much as possible. When you have to handle off-center loads, distribute the heaviest part of the load nearest the front wheels of the forklift.
• Follow the load capacity of the forklift. Never overload.
• Never move fast or turn too rapidly when approaching a load.
• Make sure the forklift is placed squarely in front of the load, without being too close or too far from it. A distance of 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches) is just right.
• When approaching the load, ensure that the forks are raised at the correct height and the direction control is set to neutral.
• Never raise or lower the forks unless the forklift is stopped and the brake is set.
• Make sure there is enough overhead clearance before raising the load. Be more cautious when raising loads under pipes, lights, sprinkler systems, etc.
• Be extra careful when tilting loads. Never tilt forward with forks elevated except when picking up or depositing the load.
• Never tilt the load forward while traveling since this reduces the stability of the load.
• Adjust the forks to make sure the weight of the load is centered between them. You can adjust the forks either manually or with a fork positioner.
• When lifting the load, make sure it is about 10 cm (4 inches) above the lower stack.
• Before lowering the load, return the mast to the vertical position.
• When lowering the load, ensure that its lowest point is 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) from the floor.    

Ensure Safe Forklift Operations

Forklifts possess unique capabilities that when matched to a given job can accomplish tasks efficiently and effectively. But if this equipment is used in an unsafe manner, the hazards far outweigh those benefits.

Ensuring safe forklift operation is increasingly difficult what with the advent of myriad distractions for drivers, including cell phones, ipods, and other electronic devices. Also, pedestrians are becoming increasingly distracted by such devices, too.

It’s imperative to ensure that your forklift safety program addresses emerging distractions like these, as well as traditional forklift safety issues. Plus, organizations should weigh whether it makes sense to invest in GPS tracking and telemetry to improve overall safety and incident reduction for their forklift fleet.

FORK LIFT - DO'S & DON'TS

Do's 

• Always keep the license during driving.
• Always wear seat belt dueing driving.
• Always sound horn at intersections.
• Always Follow 2 feet rule.
• Always Follow the speed limit permitted.
• Always Inform supervisor about the unsafe conditions prevailing in the work area.

Don'ts

• Never allow any one to travel in the forklift.
• Never park the vechicle at the entrance,exit, medical centre and other emergency exit.
• Never stand above and under elevated forks.
• Never travel too fast especiallt when carrying loads.