Section 2 SummerWinds Forklift Training Manual

FORKLIFT SAFETY TRAINING MANUAL • LESSON 2 • SAFE OPERATION & OSHA REGULATIONS

LESSON 2 of 4 Safe Operation & OSHA Regulations

Lesson 2 • Page 20

FORKLIFT SAFETY TRAINING MANUAL • LESSON 2 • SAFE OPERATION & OSHA REGULATIONS

Safe Operating Rules Introduction

This training program will review safe operation of forklifts and outline OSHA requirements. The topics included in this lesson are: ‹ Safe Operating Rules ‹ SummerWinds Company Wide Forklift & Pallet Jack Procedures The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 includes a provision that states, "only trained and authorized operators will be permitted to operate a powered industrial truck. The employer is charged with the responsibility of developing an effective safety training program.” This manual covers the necessary OSHA rules and regulations pertaining to forklift equipment and operations and provides a recommended program that will exceed Federal or State OSHA training requirements. OSHA regulations as outlined in Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1910.178. OSHA has outlined and require minimum Safety Standards for forklift operators. Forklift safety should exceed these requirements. The explicit purpose of forklift safety is to eliminate: 1.Accidents and Injuries 2. Property Damage 3.Equipment Abuses and Damage ‹ Employee Operating Rules Frequently Asked Questions

Lesson 2 • Page 21

FORKLIFT SAFETY TRAINING MANUAL • LESSON 2 • SAFE OPERATION & OSHA REGULATIONS

Safe Operating Rules ‹ Only drivers authorized by the employer, licensed and trained in the safe operation of industrial trucks, pallet jacks or industrial tow tractors will be permitted to operate such vehicles. Methods will be devised to train operators in safe operation of powered industrial trucks. ‹ Drivers will check the vehicle at least once per shift , and if it is found to be unsafe, the matter will be reported immediately to a supervisor, foreman or mechanic, and the vehicle will not be put in service again until it has been made safe. Attention will be given to the proper functioning of tires, horn, lights, battery, controller, brakes, steering mechanism, and the lift system of forklifts (forks, chains, cable, and limit switches). Electric pallet jacks must include the proper functioning of the horizontal and vertical emergency stop systems.

Meeting OSHA requirements requires understanding and enforcement of these standards with the implementation of training programs for forklift operators. This eBook contains your forklift operator copy of OPERATING RULES , and you will be required to

acknowledge with your e-signature within the certification process that you have received a copy of these rules and understand them. A copy of these rules is also posted near forklift operations to satisfy

OSHA and State OSHA requirements.

Remember, training requires documentation. Undocumented training has the same basic legal effect as no training. As a forklift operator, you must acknowledge receipt of these rules for documentation to occur under OSHA and State OSHA requirements.

Lesson 2 • Page 22

FORKLIFT SAFETY TRAINING • LESSON 2 • SAFE OPERATION & OSHA REGULATIONS

‹ Vehicles will not exceed authorized or safe speed , always maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, keeping the truck under positive control at all times and all established traffic regulations will be observed.

‹ NO RIDERS WILL BE PERMITTED ON VEHICLES. A person may not ride or be elevated on the forks of a lift truck or pallet jack without the use of a safety platform. A safety platform is defined as: ‹ Having 42" high guard rails around all sides. ‹ Having a mid rail, midway between the guardrails and platform. ‹ Having 4" high toe-boards around the platform. ‹ Having chain, or other devices, securing the platform to the mast of the forklift. ‹ Having a guard 7' high to protect the person from the crushing action of the mast and backrest. ‹ Stunt driving and horseplay are prohibited. ‹ A loaded vehicle will not be moved until the load is safe and secure. ‹ When leaving a vehicle unattended , the power will be shut off, brakes set, the mast brought to the vertical position, and the load-engaging. ‹ Note: A powered industrial truck is unattended when the operator is 25 feet or more away from the vehicle which remains in his view, or whenever the operator leaves the vehicle and it is not in his/her view.

‹ For trucks traveling in the same direction, a safe distance may be considered to be approximately 3 truck lengths or preferably a time lapse 3 seconds passing the same point a turn will never be made at such a speed that will cause the forklift or pallet jack to overturn, due to the centripetal force of gravity. A fork lift pallet jack has a very high center of gravity and will turn over when a tum is made at excessive speed.

Lesson 2 • Page 23

FORKLIFT SAFETY TRAINING • LESSON 2 • SAFE OPERATION & OSHA REGULATIONS

‹ When the operator of an industrial truck is dismounted and is within 25 feet of the truck still in his view, the load engaging means will be fully lowered, controls neutralized, and the brakes set to prevent movement. ‹ Trucks will not be driven up to anyone standing in front of a bench or other fixed object of such size that the person could be caught between the truck and object. ‹ Operators will look in the direction of travel and will not move a vehicle until certain that all persons are in the clear. Pedestrians have the right of way at all times.

‹ Vehicles will not be driven in and out of highway trucks and trailers at unloading docks.

‹ Vehicles will not be run onto any elevator unless the driver is specifically authorized to do so. Before entering an elevator, the driver will make sure that the capacity of the elevator will not be exceeded. Once on an elevator, the power will be shut off and the brakes set.

‹ Vehicles will not be operated on floors, sidewalk doors, or platforms that will not safely support the loaded vehicle.

‹ Employees will never be allowed to ride on the forks or on the sides or backs of lift trucks and pallet jacks.

‹ Motorized hand trucks will enter elevators or other confined spaces with the load end forward.

‹ No riders will be permitted on vehicles unless provided with adequate riding facilities.

Lesson 2 • Page 24

FORKLIFT SAFETY TRAINING • LESSON 2 • SAFE OPERATION & OSHA REGULATIONS

‹ The forks will always be carried as low as possible , consistent with safe operations usually 4-6 inches off the floor. ‹ Extreme care will be taken when tilting loads. Loads may fall or forklifts can easily be turned over while tilting moderate loads. ‹ Forklifts and pallet jacks will not be driven in and out of highway trucks and trailers. ‹ Employees will not place any part of their bodies outside the running lines of an industrial truck or between mast uprights - or other parts of the truck where shear crushing hazards exist. ‹ Employees will not be allowed to stand, pass, or work under the elevated portion of any industrial truck, loaded or empty, unless it is effectively blocked to prevent it from falling. ‹ Railroad tracks will be crossed diagonally , wherever possible. Parking closer than 9 feet from the center line of railroad tracks is prohibited.

‹ The width of one tire on the powered industrial truck will be the minimum distance maintained from the edge by the truck while it is on any elevated dock, platform, freight car or truck. ‹ When powered industrial trucks are used to open and close doors , the following provisions will be complied with: ‹ A device specifically designed for opening or closing doors will be attached to the truck. ‹ The force applied by the device to the door will be applied parallel to the direction of travel of the door. ‹ The entire door opening operation will be in full view of the operator. ‹ The truck operator and other employees will be clear of the area when the door might fall while being opened. ‹ Other trucks traveling in the same direction will not be passed at intersections, blind spots, or dangerous locations. ‹ The driver will slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles and other locations where vision is obstructed. If the load being carried obstructs forward view, the driver will be required to travel with the load trailing.

Lesson 2 • Page 25

FORKLIFT SAFETY TRAINING MANUAL • LESSON 2 • SAFE OPERATION & OSHA REGULATIONS

‹ Grades will be ascended or descended slowly: ‹ When ascending or descending grades in excess of 10 percent, loaded trucks will be driven with the load upgrade (drive-up and back-down). ‹ On all grades, the load and load-engaging means will be tilted back if applicable, and raised only as far as necessary to clear the road surface. ‹ Motorized hand and hand/rider trucks will be operated on all grades with the load-engaging means downgrade. ‹ Electric pallet jacks will be operated on all grades or ramps with the load down grade, preventing a runaway jack from crushing the operator. ‹ Trucks will not be loaded in excess of their rated capacity. The rated capacity of the truck/jack must be clearly visible by the operator. On forklifts, it is recommended the maximum capacity be stenciled on both sides of the mast and on the inside, directly opposite of the operator as he/she sits on the seat. ‹ Pallet jacks will enter elevators or other confined areas with the load end forward. Operators of hand jacks and electric jacks not designed for riding , will not ride on the jack. This includes using the jack as a scooter.

‹ Tilting forward with the load engaging means elevated will be prohibited except when picking up a load. Elevated loads will not be tilted forward except when the load is being deposited onto a storage rack or equivalent. When stacking or racking, backward tilt will be lifted to that necessary to stabilize the load. Even though the load is not heavy by tilting forward the fork lift can be overturned, due to the change in the truck's center of gravity. ‹ The load engaging device will be placed in such a manner that the load will be securely held or supported.

‹ No truck will be operated with a leak in the fuel, oil and hydraulic systems.

Lesson 2 • Page 26

FORKLIFT SAFETY TRAINING MANUAL • LESSON 2 • SAFE OPERATION & OSHA REGULATIONS

‹ Special precautions will be taken in the securing and handling of loads by trucks equipped with attachments, and during the

‹ Spinner knobs or similar devices on the steering wheel are prohibited .

operation of these truck after the loads have been removed. Any attachment changes the center of gravity and the maximum capacity rating of the lift. ‹ The engine must remain running and the operator at the controls, when a person is elevated in a safe platform. In case of hydraulic failure, the running pumps will afford some degree of protection in descending the person safely to floor level.

‹ Spinning tires, or causing tire skids on floors is prohibited . When changing directions, forward or reverse, the forklift must be braked to a stop, gears changed, then proceed without spinning the drive tires. ‹ Report immediately every accident , injury, near miss or unsafe condition to your supervisor or manager. ‹ Obey all safety rules and practice safe working habits every day.

‹ Forklift and electric pallet jack operators may not smoke when operating this equipment. Sparks, open flames or smoking are not allowed in an area within 50 feet of any battery charging or refueling operation. Never connect or disconnect a charger to a battery, unless the charger is in the off position.

Remember, training requires documentation.

Undocumented training has the

same basic legal effect as no training.

Lesson 2 • Page 27

FORKLIFT SAFETY TRAINING MANUAL • LESSON 2 • SAFE OPERATION & OSHA REGULATIONS

SummerWinds Company Wide Forklift & Pallet Jack Procedures ‹ During store hours, there will be no forklift operation inside our nursery sales area, store, or parking lot. ‹ On the rare occasion, it may be necessary to use the forklift in those areas during our store hours. If, this rare occasion occurs then, all forklift operators are required to have a spotter walk along with the forklift, using spotting flags, and making sure the area is clear at a min of 3 feet all around the forklift.The spotter communicates with the forklift operator and customers in the immediate area, Keeping the site clear of customers and forewarning those that may be approaching.

‹ If needing to access our nursery sales area, store, or parking lot during store hours, considering using an electric pallet jack or electric cart if possible. ‹ Receiving areas adjacent to public areas or parking lots must use a spotter. ‹ Stock soil lines before opening or closing hours. As a forklift operator, you must acknowledge receipt of these rules for documentation to occur under OSHA and State OSHA requirements to operate any motorized truck. At the completion of this training, you will be asked to acknowledge and confirm your receipt of these rules.

Lesson 2 • Page 28

FORKLIFT SAFETY TRAINING MANUAL • LESSON 2 • SAFE OPERATION & OSHA REGULATIONS

Q Why Is training required? A Accidents involving powered industrial trucks are both numerous and severe.Training is intended to clarify the differences in handling between a truck and a car, to develop safe operating habits, to explain the consequences of taking certain kinds of chances, and to reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians as well as operators. (Pedestrians are involved in 1/3 to 1/2 of truck accidents resulting in injuries.) Q What If the company doesn't own the trucks, such as those rented for special jobs? A The operator's employer is the person responsible for operator training. If the employee drives a truck, the supervisor must see to it that the employee is trained. Q Can other professionals perform the training? A Yes, but make sure all the applicable training elements mentioned this manual are covered, and that the training includes any hazards that apply to the particular workplace.

Safe Operating Rules – Frequently Asked Questions

Lesson 2 • Page 29

FORKLIFT SAFETY TRAINING MANUAL • LESSON 2 • SAFE OPERATION & OSHA REGULATIONS Q What if an item on the list of operating rules

doesn't apply to the company workplace (for example, no railroad cars handled)?

A Do not include it in the training program. Q Must employees who only run powered Industrial trucks occasionally be trained? A Yes. All persons who operate trucks must be trained. Persons operating them only occasionally are as frequently injured as any other group of drivers. Q What if operators are hired with previous training, or with extensive experience? A Supervisors should at least test operating proficiency of these drivers. In addition, all drivers new to the plant should receive thorough instruction in the hazards of their prospective tasks, in the right-of-way rules of the plant, and in the way the truck maintenance system works.

Lesson 2 • Page 30

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