SAFETY RULES FOR FORKLIFT OPERATORS

SAFETY RULES FOR FORKLIFT OPERATORS

Purpose

This procedure describes the minimum safety precautions, regarding forklift operation for the prevention of personal injuries and accidental damage.

Scope

This procedure applies to all employees.

Records

All training of Forklift Operators must be reported to the Health and Safety Rep and who will update our records of training.

Procedure

1. All forklift drivers must complete a driver training program, as established by the Safety Representative, prior to operating a forklift.

2. All forklift drivers must be knowledgeable and educated in the Occupational Health and Safety Act and in the regulations which pertain to lifting devices.

3. Only workers who are authorized by Management may operate a forklift truck.

4. At the beginning of each shift, the operator will check the truck for any defects or problems. EG: fluid levels, leaks, cracks in the forks or mast, brakes and to make sure all safety controls work properly and the fire extinguisher is in place and fully charged.

5. Do not operate a forklift that is in need of repair or maintenance. EG: brakes not working, lights, cracked forks, leaks, horn, etc.

6. DO NOT HURRY Take the time to do it safely and properly. Maintain a safe speed at all times and especially when carrying loads and or turning corners.

IE: Travel at a speed that will allow stopping within the visible and known clear distance. Reduce speed to a walk in congested areas, when going up or down ramps, when crossing bridge plate or tracks, when carrying a load or making turns. Never be pressured to speed.

7. When carrying a load on a ramp or incline, always travel in reverse when going down and forward when going up. Load always faces uphill.

8. When travelling, keep forks approximately 4” (20 cm.) off the floor. Never raise forks while travelling until you are close to the point where the load is to be lifted.

9. Do not drive on wet or slippery surfaces with a forklift, unless equipped with special tires for this purpose.

10. Do not load, unload or enter trailers that have not been chocked.

11. Trailers should be inspected before entering and any unsafe or worn conditions reported.

12. Forklift trucks should not be left unattended unless the ignition is in the off position, emergency brake is on and forks are in the lowered position. Ontario Reg. 851. Sec. 57 & 58.

13. Always leave your forklift truck in your work area when going for lunch or break. Do not use a forklift truck in order to save walking.

14. No forklift truck shall be used to transport another person unless an extra permanently installed seat is on the truck. Not even for training purposes. Ontario Reg. 851.

15. At no time shall a forklift truck or any lifting device be used to lift beyond its maximum rated load. Ontario Reg. 851.

16. Make sure you know your vehicle’s maximum lifting capacity before operating and that there is a name plate specifying maximum load capabilities on the truck. Ontario Reg. 851.

17. At no time shall a forklift truck be used to raise or lower a worker.

18. Keep legs and feet inside forklift truck.

19. When changing a fuel tank, the fuel valve shall be shut off and the engine run until the fuel in the system has been used, before disconnecting the used container.

20. All refueling and storage of tanks shall be done outdoors. Empty tanks shall not be left indoors. Reg. 851.

21. Materials will be stored in designated storage areas only. Do not use isles for storage.

23. Limit storage heights when stacking material to ensure piles are stable.