Forklift Safety

Safety Considerations When Operating a Lift Truck

Daily Operational Inspection

Prior to operating the forklift, check all of the items on the checklist:

• The forklift operator assumes the responsibility for the safe operation of the forklift.
• Inside buildings or on gravelled surfaces, travel no faster than normal walking speed (approximately 3.5 mph [5.6 km/h]).
• Never drive within 10 feet of a person working on a ladder or aerial work platform. The person should step down before you may drive past the ladder.
• Forklifts should not be operated on public highways unless the forklift is accompanied by an “escort vehicle” directly behind the forklift. The escort vehicle must have its emergency (yellow) flashers operating.

Operating on and off roadways:

1. Forklifts with solid-type tires should only be operated on asphalt or concrete surfaces.
2. Forklifts with pneumatic-type tires should be operated only on asphalt, concrete, or improved (gravelled) surfaces.
3. Know the capacity of the forklift before using the equipment.
4. Know the size and weight of the load before starting operation.
5. Do not operate forklift loads directly over personnel or unprotected work areas.
6. Walking under suspended forks is prohibited.
7. Sound the horn before moving a forklift through doorways, around corners, when approaching personnel, or before backing up.
8. Drive the forklift in reverse if the load obscures the operator’s forward view–unless the operatorhas a spotter. If a spotter is used, the operator must be able to see the spotter at all times to continue the forklift movement.
9. Spotters should remain away from the raised load. As a rule of thumb, spotters should be at least one foot away from the load per foot the load is raised.
10. Concentrate on the operation of the forklift. When distracted, the operator should stop the movement of the forklift.
11. Lower forks to the ground, set brake, and turn ignition off before leaving the forklift unattended (that is being 25 ft. or more away from the vehicle, or the vehicle is out of view).
12. Raised loads should not be left unattended.
13. Personnel other than the operator are prohibited from riding on a forklift.
14. Hard hats should be worn by operators and spotters.
15. Park forklifts in designated locations to minimize the trip hazard presented by the forks.
16. Electric forklifts should be parked indoors when not in use.
17. The indoor use of propane and diesel fuelled forklifts should be kept to a minimum. For example, you can move a load in or out of a building, but not move loads extensively within a building.
18. The propane tank valve should be turned off when not in use.
19. Forklift operators should be responsible for fuelling the forklift.
20. Fork extensions should not be longer than 150% of the supporting fork’s length. Fork extensions must be attached to prevent unintentional disengagement from the forks.
    Caution: the use of extensions gives you a lower load lifting capacity.
21. Jib booms should be securely attached to the fork backrest with the chain provided. Extreme care must be used to prevent overloading.

When lifting personnel always use an approved safety cage:

1. Cage should be attached appropriately to the forklift
2. The operator must be in the control position.
3. Cordoning the area should be considered.
4. Other personnel must be kept clear of cage work area.
5. Personnel in the cage should wear a body belt attached to the cage.
6. The mast should be in the vertical position and never tilted.
7. Movement of the forklift, while personnel are in the cage, should not be greater than creep speed.
8. Personnel should be at least one foot away from the cage per foot the cage is raised.

Operating in Tunnel and End Stations

1. Never travel at a speed greater than normal walking speed–approximately 3.5 mph [5.6 km/h].
2. When driving through the truck-access ramps into the End Stations, operators should keep the load on the “up-side” of the ramp and drive at a “creep speed.”
3. Keep all body parts inside of truck frame.
4. Use extreme caution of swing when turning.
5. Use extreme caution when moving a wide load.
6. Be aware of possible consequences of striking the accelerator.
7. Be aware of load height and overhead obstacles.
8. Forklifts and related equipment should be stored in the Access Building hatch areas of the tunnel (labyrinth) to prevent radiation exposure.
9. Forklifts should be charged in only approved charging areas. The area should have a 15 minute eye wash station located nearby.
10. Operators should immediately replace any barrier ropes taken down for travel.

Portable Loading Ramp

Only authorized forklift operators are permitted to use the portable loading ramp, and they

should comply with the following requirements:

1. Operator should be thoroughly familiar with the operating instructions.
2. The ramp should not be overloaded.
3. The ramp should be chained to the back of the trailer and chocked, to prevent unintentional movement and possible separation of the trailer and ramp.
4. The lip of the ramp should be fully seated onto the trailer bed.
5. The weight of the ramp should be on the trailer bed and bottom base plate of the ramp (ground). The weight must be taken off the ramp wheels (the wheels are only for relocating the ramp).
6. Operators must maintain a safe distance from the edge of the ramp and drive at a “creep speed.”
7. Operator should keep the load on the “up-side” when traversing the ramp.
8. The ramp should not be transported with a load resting on the ramp.

For you convenience and safety, we have included a pre-operational checklist for both electric, and combustion driven fork lifts. These will fit on a standard 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper when printed.

Please drive safely at all times.