Forklifts are an incredibly useful tool, but safety must come first.
Forklift operators and pedestrians have a shared responsibility when it comes to powered industrial truck safety in the workplace. There are a number of factors and issues to consider making sure that everyone is in on the safety loop.
Here are three of the more prominent hazards of forklift usage:
1. Blind Spots
The load being carried can create blind spots for the operator. The forklift is often operated in reverse to help the driver see the area, so the operator must be comfortable working the controls to drive in reverse. Pedestrians should always stay clear of the driver’s blind spots.
2. Load Stability
Trucks and their loads can become unstable when operating on inclines, on wet, oily surfaces, and on rough terrain. Trucks and loads also are less stable when making fast turns and when the load is in the raised position.
The weight and size of the load has an impact on the truck’s stability. Pedestrians must be aware of the increased instability of a truck with a raised load, and position themselves away from the area where a load could fall during pick-up or placement operations.
3. Speed
The forklift’s weight and speed combine as momentum. Because forklifts handle such heavy loads, it makes sense that forklifts are heavier than cars. A forklift operating at a slow speed can do as much damage as a car driving about 24 kilometres per hour.
Forklift drivers should obey speed limits, but pedestrians should also stay in designated pedestrian walkways. Trucks will slow down and sound the horn at intersections, but pedestrians must watch for forklift traffic. It’s a good practice for the pedestrian and the truck operator to make eye contact to help ensure the pedestrian is recognized and can cross safely.
MLA Holdings Pty Ltd can provide you with expert advice on forklift safety, as well as providing safety devices such as blue lights, red halo, rear grab and horn, cameras to enhance your forklift blind spot safety. MLA’s sales team can review your application to ensure your equipment is correctly rated to handle loads lifted at the load centres. Contact us today. Information from this article was sourced from www.bizjournals.com.
A forklift can be one of the most dangerous pieces of equipment in the workplace. Injuries occur when operating forklifts and when employees are interacting with them. About one quarter of forklift injuries are from getting on and off the forklift! Employers have safe work procedures, which employees must follow! These tips may protect your own and others’ safety.
A forklift can be one of the most dangerous pieces of equipment in the workplace. Injuries occur when operating forklifts and when employees are interacting with them. About one quarter of forklift injuries are from getting on and off the forklift! Employers have safe work procedures, which employees must follow! These tips may protect your own and others’ safety.
Training and Supervision: A person who operates a forklift must hold a high-risk work forklift licence.
Traffic Management
Most forklift incidents involve pedestrians
Make sure there are clear, separate pathways for pedestrians and forklifts
High visibility work wear should be worn if walking outside of designated walkways
Businesses should minimise blind spots and highlight intersections and restricted areas
If there is a right-of-way, make sure that everyone is aware of it
Be aware of other vehicles and people and give clear indications of your intentions to others
Look in the direction of travel and keep a clear view of the way ahead
Pre-start Safety Check: Before you operate a forklift, both the forklift and any attachments should be checked. Completing pre-start checks are mandatory and should be done at the beginning of each shift and every time you begin operating a different forklift
Forklift Safety Devices
Seatbelts and other restraint systems should be used
Sounding the horn when entering and exiting areas
All lighting is working – front, brake and flashing warning lights
Perimeter lighting – Pre warning for pedestrians
Operating a Forklift
Lower the fork arms to ground level; ensure the parking brake is set, and the controls are in neutral when leaving the forklift
Maintain three points of contact (hands and feet) when you get on and off
Only use the forklift for its intended purpose only
Obey speed limits and warning signs. Drive at speeds suitable to the road surfaces and traffic conditions
Wear safety glasses or goggles and work/ park in well-lit areas
Be aware of fumes and possible carbon monoxide poisoning when operating LPG-powered forklifts indoors
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when slinging a load under the forks and using lifting straps
Avoid distracting behaviour - No mobile phone use or eating when operating a forklift
What can cause a forklift to tip over?
Excessive speed – especially while turning
Heavy braking
Overload or moving with elevated mast and load
Traveling down ramps with load forward and turning sideways on ramps
Smooth, slippery, and sloping surfaces
Forks striking and obstruction
Tight turns
Shifting or off-centre loads
MLA Holdings Pty Ltd can provide you with expert advice on forklift safety, as well as providing safety devices to enhance your forklift safety. Contact us today. Information from this article was sourced from www.kellyservices.com.au.
Pedestrian operated forklifts (POFs) differ from forklift trucks because they are not intended to be controlled by an operator riding on the vehicle. While similar safe operating and maintenance procedures apply to all types of forklifts, the following control measures relate specifically to POFs.
Pedestrian operated forklifts (POFs) differ from forklift trucks because they are not intended to be controlled by an operator riding on the vehicle. While similar safe operating and maintenance procedures apply to all pes of forklifts, the following control measures relate specifically to POFs.
A licence/certificate is not required to operate POFs.
How to operate POFs safely
Only trained operators may operate a POF.
Make pre-operational and post-operational safetychecks.
Ensure the POF is suitable for the grades intendedto be travelled.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment,such as high visibility vest and steel cappedfootwear.
Do not operate a POF if hands or footwear are greasy.
Check the work area for damaged flooring, overhead obstructions, ramps and docks. Do not work tooclose to the edges of ramps or docks.
When travelling in reverse take care not to bump into objects, run over loose objects or trip overobjects. Do not use a POF in an unauthorised area or explosive atmospheres.
Keep arms, hands, legs and feet away from the lifting mechanism and wheels.
Sound the horn when approaching intersecting aisles or blind corners.
When operating a POF on grades, ramps or inclines, face the load uphill, do not make turns. If it isnecessary to park the POF on an incline, make sure the wheels are securely chocked.
Do not ride on the POF or allow another person to ride on it.
Do not exceed the safe lift limit of the POF when handling a load. These limits are specified on the data plate.
The forklift arm blades (tynes) should be a sufficient length to support at least 75% of the load (seefigure below).
The load should be stable and evenly distributed on both fork arms prior to lifting and when travelling.Fork arms should be sufficient distance apart to ensure the stability of the load.
When parking:
use the brake
lower forks to the ground
do not leave key in the ignition if unattended.
MLA Holdings Pty Ltd can provide you with expert advice on how to operate Pedestrian Operated Forklifts safely, as well as providing a wide range of high quality POF’s,Contact us today. Information from this article was sourced from www.worksafe.qld.gov.au
* Current situation may change as directed by authorities
MLA's National Parts branch network carries more than $4 million worth of parts at any one time. MLA offer genuine parts supplied by Mitsubishi (Original Equipment Manufacturer). By using genuine parts our customers comply with warranty and help guarantee maximum up-time, reduce the risk and cost of unnecessary repairs.
For more information contact MLA on 1300 166 660 and ask for Spare Parts or contact us here.
A letter to our customers from MLA Holdings Managing Director:
20th March 2020
Dear Customer,
As a valued MLA customer, we hope that you or your business have not been adversely affected by COVID-19 (coronavirus) and the associated operational impediments with suppliers and logistics. We understand however that many businesses will experience significant disruption. With COVID-19 being declared by the World Health Organisation as a pandemic, the continued spread of the virus is a deep and ongoing concern for not only public safety but also business operations.
We would like to assure you that it is currently business as usual at MLA. We are committed to ensuring that the virus minimally impacts our overall operations and we appreciate your understanding during these uncertain times and rest assured we will continue to support you and your business moving forward.
MLA affirms that all staff have been well-trained and educated in terms of COVID-19 and ensuring that they follow strict guidelines. These guidelines are consistent with the Department of Health’s instruction to adhere to necessary levels of social distancing, maintaining strict hand sanitation, avoidance of touching their face, and reporting any remotely flu-like symptoms to their supervisor immediately. Our specialist technical staff, who attend your sites, remain on continuous education and communication programs and are travelling with ‘appropriate hygiene PPE’ so as to contribute towards flattening the curve of the COVID-19 spread.
We request that you communicate in advance to MLA if possible, any site-specific safety protocols that our staff will need to follow on site to either maintain or repair equipment. Additionally, we request your company to adhere to the following processes to mitigate risks:
-One site contact only
-No hand shaking
-Enforcing social distancing of a minimum of 1.5 meters
-Equipment is to be isolated and have an exclusion zone for our staff member at all times
We are continually monitoring the latest information from the State Health Departments, and our team will respond quickly to any changes in their advice and provide updates which may impact you. It is an extraordinary time and, in the face of the unknown, we are committed to doing everything we can to contribute to maintaining the health of our employees and the wider community. We need to stay calm and work together in partnership.
Again, it is currently business as usual at MLA. Please do not hesitate to contact your local MLA representative should you have any questions. Stay safe.
Matthew Saunders
Managing Director
MLA Holdings Pty Ltd ABN 47 002 095 856
Head Office: 10 Walker Place, Wetherill Park NSW 2164, Locked Bag 3000, Wetherill Park 2164