SAFETY GUIDELINES
POWERED INDUSTRIAL TRUCKS
1.0 TRAINING
1. Operators must be trained and authorized by the Safety Office. Training will include safe operating practices, OSHA regulations, and a driving test. All new operators, regardless of previous experience, must be trained. Authorized drivers will be issued a license to operate powered industrial trucks and must have the license with them when operating the truck.
2. Retraining in safety procedures and OSHA regulations will be conducted every three
years by the Safety Office and an evaluation of driver performance will be conducted every
three years by an experienced and knowledgeable driver.
2.0 INSPECTIONS
1. Inspect the vehicle daily. Note the following:
3.0 EQUIPMENT
1. Provide lift trucks with horns or other warning devices that are loud enough to be heard above other noises in the area.
2. Provide auxiliary lighting on trucks used in areas where general lighting is less than two lumens per square foot.
3. Do not allow the load to exceed the top of the backrest. Use a load backrest extension to minimize the possibility of the load falling backwards. Placing extra weight on the rear of the lift truck to counterbalance the front load is not permitted.
4. Equip the truck with an overhead guard if the truck is capable of lifting loads higher than your head or where there is a hazard from falling objects. Be aware that the guard is not designed to protect you from a full capacity load.
5. Guard moving parts such as gears, chains, and sprockets.
6. Operators are required to wear seat belts if installed on the lift truck.
4.0 BATTERY-OPERATED UNITS
1. Locate battery-charging installations in areas designated for that purpose. Have materials available to flush and neutralize spilled electrolytes. Ensure that adequate fire protection and ventilation are available. Install an emergency shower and eyewash station in the area.
2. Use an overhead hoist, or equivalent equipment, for handling batteries. Properly position and secure reinstalled batteries. Use a carboy or siphon for handling electrolytes. Always pour acid into water, never the reverse. Remove vent caps during charging operations. Remove battery or compartment covers to dissipate heat.
3. Do not allow open flames, sparks, or electric arcs in battery-charging areas. Keep tools and other metallic objects away from the tops of uncovered batteries. Smoking is prohibited in the charging area. Post "No Smoking" signs.
4. Employees charging and changing batteries must be authorized to do the work, trained
in the proper handling, and required to wear protective clothing, including eye
protection, long sleeves, aprons, and gloves.
5.0 SERVICE & MAINTENANCE
1. Turn engines off before filling fuel tanks. Post "No Smoking" in areas where fuel is stored or handled.
2. Take a truck in need of repair, or in any way unsafe, out of service until it has been restored to a safe operating condition.
3. Do not make modifications and additions which effect capacity and safe
operation without written approval from the manufacturer.
6.0 HAZARDOUS ATMOSPHERES
1. When using fuel-powered trucks in enclosed areas, ensure that carbon monoxide and other hazardous gases do not exceed OSHA limits. Do not allow fuel-powered trucks to idle for long periods in enclosed areas.
7.0 LOADING
1. Handle only stable or safely arranged loads. Use caution when handling off-center loads. Neatly pile objects. Place heavy objects with the weight as low as possible. Block or tie round objects so they cannot roll. Do not load to a height that blocks the view ahead or makes it likely the load may fall.
2. Place the forks under the load as far as possible and carefully tilt the mast backward to stabilize the load. Do not exceed the rated capacity of the truck.
3. Use extreme care when tilting the load forward or backward. Do not tilt elevated loads forward unless the load is in a deposit position over a rack or stack. When stacking, use only enough backward tilt to stabilize the load.
4. Do not drive up to anyone standing in front of a fixed object. Do not allow people to pass under the elevated forks, whether loaded or empty.
5. When standard forks are used to pick up drums, use care to ensure that the tips do not puncture the drum or push it into other workers.
6. While loading or unloading trucks and trailers, set the brakes and block the wheels to prevent movement.
7. Use powered industrial trucks only for the purpose for which it is designed.
Do not use trucks to bump skids, push piles, move other trucks, or used as a hoist.
8.0 TRAVELING
1. Do not operate the truck in a reckless or careless manner. Operate the truck at a speed that will permit it to be brought to a stop in a safe manner. Slow down on wet or slippery surfaces. Never run over loose objects on the roadway surface.
2. Slow down and sound horns at cross aisles and other locations where vision is obstructed. Lightly tap the horn to warn pedestrians when approaching from behind. If the load obstructs your forward view, travel with the load trailing.
3. Ascend or descend grades slowly. Drive loaded trucks with the load upgrade when ascending or descending grades in excess of 10%. On all grades, tilt the forks back and raise only as far as necessary to clear the road surface. Use low gear or the slowest speed when descending a grade.
4. Drive over dockboards slowly and only after they have been properly secured. Never exceed their rated weight capacity.
5. Approach elevators slowly. Check to make sure the weight of the truck, load, and driver do not exceed the capacity of the elevator. Once on the elevator, put the controls in neutral, set the brakes and turn the engine off.
6. Do not not make quick starts, jerky stops, or turns at excessive speeds. Use extreme caution on turns, ramps, grades, or inclines. Maintain a safe distance from the edges of elevated ramps or platforms.
7. Be particularly careful to avoid striking overhead objects such as lights, pipes, and sprinkler heads. Do not raise or lower loads while traveling.
8. Do not allow unauthorized personnel to ride on trucks.
9. Keep hands, legs and feet inside the operating cab of the lift truck.
9.0 PARKING
1. When the operator is greater than 25 feet from the vehicle, or the vehicle is not in view, lower the forks, put controls in neutral, shut the power off, remove the key, and set the brakes. Block the wheels if the truck is parked on an incline.
2. When the operator is within 25 feet of the truck still in view, lower the forks, put controls in neutral, set the brakes.
3. Park in a safe area away from traffic. Do not park in front of doorways, electrical panels and fire equipment.