Forklift Safety Checklist

  

Forklifts should receive adequate safety checks . There are various hazards associated with forklift operation and a complete check before daily forklift operation will ensure forklift driver safety and safety for other employees and company assets.

A forklift safety checklist will ensure its safe condition. It will help you identify any potential problem with the forklift. Having a forklift safety checklist is essential.

A safety checklist should be completed with a "Yes or No" complete with a comment for "No" answers.

General information should be provided:

Name of workplace

1.     Division/Department/Section
2.     Running location
3.     Identification of forklift
4.     Work description (brief)

Workplace conditions

1.     Is the operating area completely separated from walkers?
2.     Are there clear and adequate safety signs warning walkers against forklift traffic?
3.     Are walker pathways and zebra crossings marked?
4.     Are workers warned about  crossing forklift pathways?
5.     Are convex safety mirrors present at blind spots?   

Forklift part check

1.     Does the forklift specification meet the operating requirement?
2.     Is a clear forklift load chart provided?
3.     Is a seat belt provided?
4.     Is there a speed controller?
5.     Do the horn, reversing beeper, proximity indicator and flashing light function properly?
6.     Is there a protective structure provided on the forklift to prevent injuries during roll=overs or from falling objects?
7.     Is the maintenance performed regularly?
8.     Are forklift maintenance and repair records maintained?
9.     Is there enough fuel inside forklift?
10.     Is forklift battery charged?
11.     Are the forklift tires fully inflated?
12.     Are the tires pressure enough and safe?
13.     Are the tires in good conditions?
14.     Do the forklift brakes work?
15.     Is the steering functioning correctly?
16.     Does the gear shift work?
17.     Are the left and right mirrors available and clear?
18.     Do all indicators and gauges function properly?
19.     Are there any liquid leaks from the forklift?
20.     Are fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid and coolant levels full?
21.     Is there a portable fire extinguisher fitted on the forklift?
22.    Are hard hats required for forklift operators?
23.    Is personal protective equipment such as eye goggles, ear plugs and safety shoes available to operators?

Forklift Operators/Drivers

1.    Are  forklift operators or drivers certified?
2.     Does the driver understand the load chart?
3.     Is appropriate training provided?
4.     Have forklift drivers been given adequate training?
5.     Are the drivers familiar with the workplace layout in the plant site?
6.     Do forklift drivers follow the pathways correctly?
7.     Are forklift drivers or operators in good health?
8.     Does the forklift driver know the maximum speed?

Working system

1.     Are there speed limits for powered equipment on site?
2.     Are there appropriate traffic management plans at the plant site to prevent collision of forklifts with people and other mobile equipment by separating them in time or space?
3.     Are all safety procedures related to forklift inspection, operation, clean up and maintenance established, maintained and communicated to operators?
4.     Is there a monitoring and supervision system for ensuring all safety procedures work?
5.    Are work schedules adequate to move materials without operating the forklift at excessive speeds?
6.     Are only certified drivers allowed to operate a forklift?
7.     Is load checking always performed for load stability?
8.     Is load weight always checked before loading to avoid overloading?
9.     Is the load always lowered prior to the forklift being in motion?
10.     Are safe distances provided  from the edge of ramps, docks, drains, gutters, floor openings and any other opening and obstacles established to prevent forklift accident?
11.     Are all ramp or dock edges safeguarded and visibly marked?
12.     Is the forklift allowed to lift workers using forklift to do certain job?
13.     Is the forklift allowed to be used for doing other jobs instead of lifting?
14.     Is the procedure for the safe battery charging or fuel filling established?

All these questions must be completed to ensure forklift safety.Countermeasures and follow up are required before the forklift can be used. Follow up must be made for NO' answers to any of these above questions in the safety checklist.

By Lukman Nulhakiem

Lukman Nulhakiem is a chemical engineer who has experience in hazard recognition and hazard control studies. Visit his blog at  cemicalplantsafety.net to learn more about safety in chemical plant and workplaces in general.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lukman_Nulhakiem

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Need to Hoist Materials? Consider Using a Telehandler Instead of a Crane

 

For example, by switching out these tools, telehandlers can be used for more than just lifting applications — they excel at hoisting (and material handling) tasks too when equipped with a boom-mounted lifting lug attachment (also referred to as hooks or clevises). This type of attachment allows operators to put a chain or straps through it to efficiently handle suspended loads (aka hoist materials). 

Because they are purpose-built to move heavy objects with great maneuverability, using a telehandler for this type of material handling work is often more cost-effective than bringing in a crane. Let’s take a closer look at how…

What different considerations go into selecting a telehandler for hoisting or material handling versus lifting?

The most important thing to do before selecting a telehandler for hoisting or material handling is knowing two things: 1) what is the work that needs to be completed, and 2) where will that work be done. 

This starts with calculating the “maximum pick” that the machine will need to handle, which can be done in three steps: 

Identify the maximum weight of the load that needs to be lifted and handled (i.e. how heavy is the heaviest object/material that needs to be picked up). Make sure the telehandler has enough capacity to support all of the lifts.

Figure out the maximum angle the machine needs to be able to lift and place the load (i.e. what’s the furthest up, over and/or out that the telehandler needs to reach). It is important to know how much space is available on the job site for maneuvering and positioning the load. Depending on the site, trade-offs may need to be made when selecting a telehandler’s size versus its capacity. Space restrictions will influence not only the size of the telehandler but also the style. For example, if the machine needs to feed the material from a stationary position, similar to how a crane would perform on-site, a rotating telehandler should be considered. JLG® rotating telehandlers provide 360-degrees of rotation from one spot. To learn more, check out these resources: Rotating Telehandlers: A Unique Equipment Solution and Rotating Telehandlers Lift, Extend and Rotate.

Determine the maximum height that the load needs to be placed (i.e. how high does the load need to be lifted)

Armed with these measurements, users can then refer to machine load charts to guide them in selecting the appropriate telehandler. It is important to note that all telehandler attachments have their own load chart, which should always be referenced before use.

Once a model is chosen, it’s important to consider what attachments are needed to complete the work. Telehandlers are called “tool carriers” for a reason — they can handle a wide range of hoisting and material handling applications because of the large variety of attachments they can be equipped with, from buckets, carriages and truss booms/lift hooks to specialty attachments like tire handlers. 

Understanding the nature of the work to be accomplished and the capabilities of each type of attachment the machine can be fitted with is crucial to safe and efficient use. This means knowing whether a load needs to be picked or placed. Does the job require loose material to be scooped or a load suspended? Does the operator need to grapple loose material or pipes? Answering these questions will help owners/operators select the appropriate size and type of attachments needed.

The final step in selecting a telehandler is to know where the machine will be working and to understand what the job site conditions will be during operation. For example, will the machine be working on undeveloped surfaces like dirt or rocky soil, or on finished surfaces like turf or concrete? This information helps to determine what tires are needed on the machine — foam-filled/solid tires are great for undeveloped terrain, and non-marking tires or turf tires will be needed in developed areas to protect the ground.

Also, consider what options the machine should have to keep operators safe and productive during long hours in the cab. For instance, will he/she need an enclosed cab equipped with heat and air conditioning? Depending on the climate and the time of year, this choice is very important. Will he/she need to work before the sun comes up or after it goes down? If so, getting a model with work lights is necessary. When working in heavily congested areas, beacons should be considered.

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