1Procedures

for Forklift Operation

WCB Regulation - Mobile Equipment

Excerpt: Competency of operators 16.4(1) A person must not operate mobile equipment unless the person (a) has received adequate instruction in the safe use of the equipment, (b) has demonstrated to a qualified supervisor or instructor competency in operating the equipment, (c) if operating equipment with air brakes, has a valid air brake certificate or a driver's license with an air brake endorsement, or evidence of successful completion of a course of instruction on air brake systems by an organization acceptable to the board, (d) is familiar with the operating instructions for the equipment, and has been authorized to operate the equipment. (2) Subsection (1)(a) and (c) does not apply if a trainee operates the equipment under the supervision of a qualified instructor, or a supervisor. Operator's responsibility 16.5 The operator of mobile equipment must operate the equipment safely, maintain full control of the equipment, and comply with the laws governing the operation of the equipment. Supervisor's responsibility 16.6 A supervisor must not knowingly operate or permit a worker to operate mobile equipment which is, or could create, an undue hazard to the health or safety of any person, or is in violation of this Regulation. Load handling attachments 16.19 Buckets, forks, booms, hoists and other load handling attachments must only be installed on mobile equipment as specified by the equipment manufacturer or when certified by a professional engineer for use on the equipment. Load ratings 16.20 (1) Mobile equipment designed and used for lifting, hoisting or similar operations must have a permanently affixed notation, legible and visible to the operator, stating the rated load of the equipment. (2) A load chart must be displayed in the operator's cab if the rated load varies with the reach of the equipment. (3) If the equipment is modified the employer must ensure that the rated load and load chart are changed as necessary to reflect the new load

ratings.

Forklift Use in the Department

Only fully trained and authorized individuals are permitted to operate the forklift. Training is done by authorized personnel only and trainees are logged.

Guidelines and Tips for operating forklift

Operator requirements for operating the forklift truck Know the recommended load limit of the forklift and never exceed it. Know how to assess the weight of the load to be lifted. Do a visual and operational check of the forklift at the start of the shift. Check for adequate overhead clearance before raising the load. Operate a forklift smoothly when stopping, starting, lifting and tilting. Know the blind spots of the lift truck with and without a load. Keep pedestrians away from a forklift in operation. Stop when anyone crosses the route being travelled. Lower the load to the floor, and wait until clear. Operate only as fast as conditions safely permit. Wear leather gloves when moving or shifting loads or when checking skids. Wear fully laced safety boots to give impact protection when moving loads or skids and to provide ankle support when mounting and dismounting lift truck. Remain alert and prepare for the unexpected. Note anything that affects the normal operation of the forklift and tell the supervisor immediately. Keep hands, arms, head, feet and legs inside the confines of a moving forklift. Stay in the truck in case of overturn. Report any collisions, damage or near-miss accidents to a supervisor immediately. What to avoid when operating a forklift truck Trying to move or adjust any part of the load, the forklift or the surroundings when on the forklift. Lifting a load that extends above the load backrest unless no part of the load can possibly slide back toward the operator. Allowing anyone but the operator to ride on the forklift. Using pallets elevated by forklifts as an improvised working platform. Allowing anyone to stand or walk under the elevated part of any forklift, whether loaded or unloaded.

What to inspect during a visual pre-use check General condition and cleanliness. Floor -- clear of objects that could cause an accident. Overhead -- no obstructions. Nearby objects to avoid as you drive away. Fire extinguisher -- present and charged. Engine oil level, fuel level, radiator water level (LPG, gas and diesel forklifts). Battery -- fully charged; check cables for exposed wires; battery plug connections not loose, worn or dirty; vent caps not clogged; electrolyte levels in cells; holddowns or brackets keep battery securely in place. Bolts, nuts, guards, chains, or hydraulic hose reels not damaged, missing or loose. Wheels and tires -- check for wear, damage, and air pressure, if pneumatic tires. Forks -- forks not bent; no cracks present; positioning latches in good working condition; carriage teeth not broken, chipped or worn. Chain anchor pins -- not worn, loose or bent. Fluid Leaks -- no damp spots or drips. Hoses -- held securely; not loose, crimped, worn or rubbing. Horn -- working and loud enough to be heard in working environment; other warning devices operational. Lights -- head lights and warning lights operational.

What to inspect during the operational pre-use check Foot Brake -- pedal holds, unit stops smoothly. Parking Brake -- holds against slight acceleration. Deadman Seat Brake -- holds when operator rises from seat. Clutch and Gearshift -- shifts smoothly with no jumping or jerking. Dash Control Panel -- all lights and gauges are operational. Steering -- moves smoothly. Lift Mechanism -- operates smoothly (Check by raising forks to maximum height then lowering forks completely.) Tilt Mechanism -- moves smoothly, holds (Check by tilting mast all the way forward and backward.) Cylinders and Hoses -- not leaking after above checks. Listen for any unusual sounds or noises. Behavioural and operational factors that can contribute to forklift trucks accidents Improper backing up techniques. Improper turning. Improper warnings to others about a forklift in use nearby.

Poor communication during shared tasks, or in shared spaces. Riding or giving rides on forklift or load. Parking the forklift improperly. Improper blocking of wheels on semi-trailers or railway cars. Horseplay; stunt driving; jerky, erratic driving. Inadequate servicing of the forklift.

Workplace designs that contribute to forklift trucks accidents Narrow aisles. Crowded, cluttered aisles. Obstructions at intersections and doors. Volume of traffic in work area. Walking and working in the general area of forklift operations. Other workplace conditions such as noise, odours, toxic gases, dust, or poor lighting. Many ramps with different surfaces. Condition of loading dock. Characteristics of the load that can create a hazard Poorly stacked or piled on the pallet. Pallets in poor repair. Load too heavy. Load unstable or blocking vision.

Mechanical conditions or design features that increase the risk for forklift accidents Malfunction of brakes. Malfunction of steering. Malfunction of clutch, shift linkage, or transmission. Malfunction of mast assembly. Leaks in hydraulic systems or transmission. Safety devices lacking, inadequate, or malfunctioning. Emissions from forklifts. "Blind spots" or obstructions blocking driver's view. Poor layout of controls and displays.

For more information visit Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety at : http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/forklift/forklift.htm Or ask your supervisor.