PURPOSE
This section is provided as guidance for University
managers, supervisors and other employees who use forklifts as a part
of their workplace operations.
REQUIREMENTS
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
published a final rule (effective March 1, 1999) to clarify training
requirements to the Powered Industrial Truck regulation (29CFR1910.178).
The revised regulations require a combination of classroom training,
demonstrations (practical exercises) and a successful evaluation of
the operator skills prior to operating a powered truck. Operator training
must be completed every three years. In addition, refresher training
is required if an operator has driven an industrial truck in an unsafe
manner, been involved in a near-miss or accident, has received an unsatisfactory
evaluation, or if the truck or workplace conditions change. Department
supervisors and/or area managers must certify each operator has been
trained and evaluated. Training certification must include the name
of the trainee, the trainer, and the dates of training and evaluation.
Forklift operators hired before December 1, 1999 must receive initial
training and evaluation prior to the effective date. Employees hired
after December 1, 1999 must have training prior to operating a fork-
lift truck. In addition, all employees operating a forklift truck must
be trained and authorized to use the specific class of forklift truck to be
used in his/her area. Federal laws prohibits workers under age 18 from using
forklifts and similar equipment in nonagricultural industries.
OSHA requires that industrial trucks be examined before
being placed in service. Forklift trucks must not be placed in service
if the examination shows any condition adversely affecting the safety
of the vehicle. Such examination shall be made at least daily. When
industrial trucks are used around the clock, they shall be examined
after each shift. When defects are found, employees need to report
such conditions to their supervisor immediately. Defects must be corrected
prior to returning the forklift into service.
SAFE OPERATING PRACTICES
• Do not operate a forklift unless you have been
trained and licensed
• Use seatbelts if they are available. If not installed, retrofit old sit-down
type forklifts with an operator restraint system if possible.
• Report to your supervisor any damage or problems that occur to a forklift
during your shift.
• Do not jump from an overturning, sit-down type forklift. Stay with the
truck, holding on firmly and leaning in the opposite direction of the overturn.
• Exit from a stand-up type forklift with rear-entry access by stepping
backward if a lateral tipover occurs.
• Operators should avoid turning, if possible, and should use extreme caution
on grades, ramps, or inclines. Normally the operator should travel straight up
and down Do not attempt to turn around on grades or ramps. Keep loads elevated
and upslope, not pointed downslope.
• On grades, tilt the load back and raise it only as far as needed to clear
the road surface.
• Do not raise or lower the forks while the forklift is moving.
• Do not handle loads that are heavier than the weight capacity of the forklift
• Operate
the forklift at a speed that will permit it to be stopped safely.
• Slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles and other locations where
vision is obstructed. Make every effort to alert workers when a forklift is nearby.
Use horns, audible backup alarms, and flashing lights to warn workers and other
forklift operators in the area. Flashing lights are especially important in areas
where the ambient noise level is high.
• Look toward the travel path and keep a clear view of it.
• Do not allow passengers to ride on forklift trucks unless a seat is provided.
• When dismounting from a forklift, set the parking brake, lower the forks
or lifting carriage, and neutralize the controls.
• Do not drive up to anyone standing in front of a bench or other fixed
object
• Do not use a forklift to elevate workers who are standing on the forks.
• Elevate a worker on a platform only when the vehicle is directly below
the work area
• Whenever a truck is used to elevate personnel, ensure that operators use
only an approved lifting cage and adhere to general safety practices for elevating
personnel with a forklift. Also, secure the platform to the lifting carriage
or forks.
• Use a restraining means such as rails, chains, or a body belt with a lanyard
or deceleration device for the worker(s) on the platform.
• Provide means for personnel on the platform to shut off power to the truck
whenever the truck is equipped with vertical only or vertical and horizontal
controls for lifting personnel.
• Do not drive to another location with the work platform elevated.
• Brakes, steering mechanisms, control mechanisms, warning devices, lights,
governors, lift overload devices, guards and safety devices, lift and tilt mechanisms,
articulating axle stops, and frame members shall be carefully and regularly inspected
and maintained in a safe condition.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY PRACTICES
• When work is being performed from an elevated
platform, a restraining means such as rails, chains, etc., shall be
in place, or a body belt with lanyard or deceleration device shall
be worn by the person(s) on the platform.
• Operators should follow operator's manuals, which are supplied by all
equipment manufacturers and describe the safe operation and maintenance of forklifts.
• Operators should be trained to handle asymmetrical loads when their work
includes this activity.
• Separate forklift traffic and other workers where possible.
• Limit some aisles to workers on foot only or forklifts only.
• Restrict the use of forklifts near time clocks, break rooms, cafeterias,
and main exits, particularly when the flow of workers on foot is at a peak (such
as at the end of a shift or during breaks).
• Install physical barriers where practical to ensure that workstations
are isolated from aisles traveled by forklifts. Do not store bins, racks, or
other materials at corners, intersections, or other locations that obstruct the
view of forklift operators.
• Evaluate intersections and other blind corners to determine whether overhead
dome mirrors could improve the visibility of forklift operators or workers on
foot. The person who conducts the inspections should have the authority to implement
prompt corrective measures.
• Enforce safe driving practices such as obeying
speed limits, stopping at stop signs, and slowing down and blowing
the horn at intersections.
• Repair and maintain cracks, crumbling edges, and other defects on loading
docks, aisles, and other operating surfaces.
If you have questions concerning this safety notice, contact the Safety & Workers'
Compensation Office at Extension 4007.
Revised 11/2/2001
