Forklift Training Blog » forklift operation http://forklifttrainingblog.com What you need to know about Forklift Training Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:38:01 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Forklift Operations Policy http://forklifttrainingblog.com/forklift-certification/forklift-policy/ http://forklifttrainingblog.com/forklift-certification/forklift-policy/#comments Mon, 08 Nov 2010 18:36:27 +0000 roy http://forklifttrainingblog.com/?p=978 (YOUR COMPANY NAME) POWERED INDUSTRIAL VEHICLE POLICY
POLICY
(Co. Name) Inc. is committed to protecting employees from the hazards involved in the operation of powered industrial vehicles. This policy is established to govern the proper use, care, and maintenance of such vehicles. The policy complies with the OSHA Powered Industrial Trucks Standard of 29 CFR 1910.178
SCOPE
The Powered Industrial Truck Policy applies to all specialized industrial vehicles powered by electric motors or internal combustion engines. These include, forklifts, and powered mobile work platforms used in conjunction with regular operations.
GENERAL
This policy establishes guidelines and procedures to be followed by (Co. Name) personnel prior to and during the operation of vehicles covered herein. Only personnel designated by management shall be permitted to operate any powered industrial vehicle. (Co. Name) personnel who have not successfully completed the training and certification program (found at Forklift Certification) are prohibited from operation of the vehicle under any circumstances. This includes all operators regardless of previous experience. Details of training and certification requirements and frequency of such training are found in the training section of this manual.
Provisions for periodic inspections and maintenance of all covered vehicles shall be made in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations. All inspections must be documented. Documentation shall remain on the vehicle until the last operation of the day.
All powered industrial vehicles are to be maintained and operated in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations. Alterations to vehicles not approved by the manufacturer are prohibited. Operation of any powered industrial vehicle for uses other than those approved by the manufacturer is strictly prohibited.
Powered industrial vehicles are prohibited from use where any uncontained flammable or combustible liquids are present. All such liquids must be removed and the area adequately ventilated to remove any flammable or combustible gases prior to operation of any vehicle in near proximity.
Personnel are prohibited from operating any powered industrial vehicle while under the influence of medication labeled with a caution against driving and/or operating heavy machinery. This restriction shall remain in effect for 24 hours after taking the medication unless advised otherwise
by the prescribing physician. Affected personnel must notify management of any such medications taken within the previous 24 hours.
While operating any powered industrial vehicle, operators must comply with any vision restrictions, e.g. corrective lenses, as indicated on a valid state driver’s license. In the absence of this information, a current physical examination may be conducted for a determination of any restrictions based upon vision.
RESPONSIBILITY
Management is responsible for ensuring this policy is in compliance with governmental regulations and industrial safe work practices. Management is also responsible for assisting in the investigation of all accidents and incidents involving powered industrial vehicles and for making recommendations concerning corrective action.
The Department Managers are responsible for the administration and enforcement of this policy and are additionally responsible for the investigation of any accidents and incidents involving powered industrial vehicles. Additionally, the department managers, or their designee(s), are responsible for ensuring that all vehicles covered under this policy are appropriately inspected and documented accordingly. They are also responsible for ensuring that all vehicles found defective, in need of repair, or in any way unsafe are taken out of service until necessary repairs are completed.
The Department Managers are responsible for coordination and documentation of the training and certification required in this policy.
All authorized operators of powered industrial vehicles are responsible for:
•    Operation of vehicles in a safe manner consistent with training and this policy (see also Appendix I of this Section “General Safety Rules for the Operation of Powered Industrial Vehicles”)
•    Performing inspections of vehicles, as appropriate •    Reporting all accidents and incidents involving powered industrial vehicles immediately to
their manager •    Reporting any equipment defects or personal impairments that may interfere with the safe
operation of the powered industrial vehicle, e.g. use of prescription medications)
BATTERY POWERED VEHICLES
All battery charging shall be performed in areas designated for that purpose. Provisions shall be made for adequate protection from hazards associated with battery charging such as fire, flammable gases, corrosive liquids, and from damage to charging equipment due to vehicle movements.

PRE-OPERATIONAL INSPECTIONS
All operators must perform pre-operational equipment checks on powered industrial vehicles. Frequently operated vehicles, such as aircraft tugs, shall be inspected daily, prior to first use. Less frequently operated vehicles shall be inspected prior to the first use during any workshift.
Operators shall indicate the completion of the pre-operational equipment check by signing and dating that specific vehicle’s checklist. A vehicle shall be unsafe to operate if it does not pass any critical item in the checklist. Each operator must ensure that a satisfactory pre-operational checklist is completed prior to operating that vehicle.
1.    If the powered industrial vehicle is found safe to operate, indicate so on the pre- operational checklist.
2.    If the vehicle is found unsafe to operate:

  • Note the problem on the checklist
  • Remove the key(s) from the vehicle and place a red Danger Do Not Operate tag
    on the steering wheel or control lever of the vehicle.
  • Notify management of the deficiency. Management, or their designee, is
    responsible for initiating vehicle repairs. All vehicle repairs shall be made only by
    authorized personnel.
  • It is strictly against (Co. Name) policy to operate any defective powered industrial
    vehicle or one that has a Danger Do Not Operate tag placed on the steering
    wheel or control lever.

3.    Vehicles shall not be driven up to anyone positioned in front of a fixed object.

4.    Passengers shall not ride on vehicles not configured for such purposes.

5.    Operators shall not block access to fire or emergency exits, stairways, emergency
equipment, or electrical panels.

6.    Under all travel conditions, operate the vehicle at a speed that will permit it to be
brought to a stop in a safe manner.

7.    Stunt driving and horseplay is prohibited.

8.    Use caution when driving over wet or slippery surfaces.

9.    Running over loose objects on the floor is prohibited.

10. The operator is responsible for cleaning up all fluid leaks (fuel, oil, hydraulic,
transmission, etc.) from the floor.

11. Operator’s are required to report all powered industrial vehicle accidents and incidents
involving personnel, building structures, and equipment to management immediately. 12. Vehicles shall be operated only as intended and in accordance with manufacturer’s
recommendations and limitations. 13. If the vehicle is equipped with seat belts or other restraining devices, the operator must
use these devices. 14. Operators shall yield to pedestrians at all times.

15. Where vision is obstructed in the direction of travel, operators must proceed at slow
speed and proceed with caution. The vehicle’s warning horn shall be sounded, if
equipped. Operators shall ensure sufficient horizontal and vertical clearance is
maintained when operating vehicles. 16. A powered industrial vehicle is considered to be attended when a qualified operator is
less than 25 feet from the vehicle that remains in view. In this case, before leaving the operator’s position, the operator shall:

  • Bring the vehicle to a complete stop
  • Place the directional controls in neutral
  • Apply the parking brake or other positive stopping mechanism such as chocks

17. A powered industrial vehicle is considered to be unattended when the operator is more than 25 feet from the vehicle or whenever the operator leaves the vehicle and it is not in view, regardless of the distance. In this case, before leaving the operator’s position, the operator shall:

  • Follow the procedures listing in item #16
  • Stop the engine or turn off the power source

18. Vehicles shall not be operated with a leak in the fuel system.

19. Operators are prohibited from placing arms or legs outside the running lines of
vehicles.

20. Fuel tanks shall not be filled while the engine is running.

21. Open flames shall not be used for checking the electrolyte level in storage batteries or
gasoline levels in fuel tanks.

22. Industrial vehicles shall not be altered so that the relative position of the various parts
are different from originally installed.

23. Industrial vehicles shall be kept in a clean condition, free of excessive dirt, oil, and
grease.

24. Preventative maintenance schedules shall be set by each department manager or their
designee.

25. If the load being carried obstructs the operator’s forward view, the operator shall travel
in reverse.

26. The operator will slow down and sound the horn, if equipped, where the view is
obstructed.

27. Grades shall be ascended or descended slowly. The load must face up grade on all
grades greater than 10%. The load shall be raised only as far as necessary to clear the
road surface.

28. Only stable loads or safely arranged loads may be handled. Caution must be exercised
when handling off-center loads.

29. Only loads within the rated capacity of the vehicles shall be handled.

30. The load engaging means shall be placed under the load as far as possible; the mast
shall be carefully tilted backwards to stabilize the load.

31. Batteries must be disconnected before repairs are made to a vehicles electrical system. 32. All parts requiring replacement shall be replaced only with parts of equivalent safety.
SUBCONTRATORS AND OTHER EMPLOYEES
Any contractors working in the company’s facilities or jobsite will be informed of the written hazardous material program and where to locate MSDSs. It will be the responsibility of that employer to properly train his employees in the avoidance or emergency procedures for these materials.

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