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Forklift accidents cause serious injuries, disabilities or death
They also cause costly damage to equipment and property
Forklift accidents can be prevented by:-
knowing your equipment
staying alert
watching out for fellow workers
learn & follow safe operating procedures
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THE ANATOMY OF A FORKLIFT
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Only authorised and trained/certified personnel
are permitted to operate the forklift
Licence
Authority
Experience
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PLAN AHEAD FOR SAFETY
Take care on wet surfaces
Take note of overhead clearance
Never block emergency exits
Be careful on sloping ground
Watch-out for Pot-holes
Avoid sharp/fast turns
Don’t overload forks
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DRIVE SLOWLY
Obey speed limit
Slow down at blind corners, doorways etc.
Always Start / Stop Gradually
Watch-out for Pedestrians
Sound the horn if somebody approaches
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HANDLE HEAVY LOADS PROPERLY
Know the forklift capacity – SWL?
what is its SWL?
is it painted on the forklift ?
is the forklift certified ?
Don’t overload the forks
Distribute the load evenly
Keep the forks low while moving
don’t obscure vision
Keep the mast tilted back while moving
Use special care when loading/unloading
the risk of overturning is greater
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DON’T FOOL AROUND
Don’t allow Passengers to ride on forklift
Never use forklift as an Elevated work platform
unless it is equipped with a man-rated safety platform
Show-off stunts are prohibited
and will get you terminated
Never allow an Unauthorized person to drive
Never leave a load suspended on the forks
unattended
Never lift objects and work under forks
suspended
if a problem occurs, you will be crushed
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FORKLIFTS ARE DIFFERENT
FROM OTHER VEHICLES
They have rear wheel steering
like driving a car backwards
They have center pivoted steering axles
the axle is free to follow the driving surface, extra caution
is necessary on uneven surfaces
They have NO springs or Shock’s
the means that driving over bumps,
curbs, holes, or cables
must be done with caution
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LOADING TECHNIQUES
Approach the load slowly
Have mast in the vertical position
Manoeuvre the forklift to be at right angles with load
Space forks to distribute load/weight evenly
Lower forks, insert equal distance from load’s centre of gravity
Drive forward until load is against carriage
When load is properly placed
Tilt mast back to stabilise load
Move off slowly, once it is safe to do so
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DRIVING WITH LOAD
Keep forks as low as possible at all times
this will ensure that the centre of gravity is low
Never
drive forward with the load obscuring your view
leave the vehicle running & unattended with a
load on the suspended forks
use the forklift as a hydraulic hoist to service
vehicles
exceed the SWL of the forklift
if the rear wheels come off the ground when lifting a load,
place it down, remove some weight or use a bigger capacity
forklift
use the forklift for other than what is was
designed for
Always lower the forks to the ground when
forklift is parked
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UN-LOADING TECHNIQUES
Manoeuvre forklift into position at right angles to drop -off
Watch-out for rear-end swing
Tilt mast to vertical, ONLY when directly OVER spot
Lower load & back away slowly
Always check to ensure there are no pedestrians
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FORKLIFT SAFETY
BEFORE starting any “ work”, check forklift if:
Warning light is operational
Reverse / back-up alarm is functional
Warning horn is sounding
Fire extinguisher is installed and full
General forklift safety
brakes
steering
seating
safety cage
general condition
CERTIFICATION
If you don’t thick is SAFE, DON’T Start,
contact your supervisor
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FORKLIFT SAFETY
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
hard hat
safety glasses
safety boots
cotton coveralls
hearing protection
seatbelt ?
protective cage ?
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Summary
If it is a heavy load, use the forklift, save your back
No Authorisation - NO DRIVE
Don’t Exceed the SWL of Vehicle
Don’t Carry Passengers
Don’t Lift Personnel on Forks or On Pallet on forks
use man-basket only
Ensure all Warning devices are working
Ensure Safety Devices are available
Don’t use forklift as a Hydraulic Hoist
you’ll end up squashed and dead !
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FORKLIFT SAFETY
Work together as a TEAM
to prevent this from happening
to one of us / you !
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Forklift Safety Training Course 20
Thank you…
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