Forklifts: Fit to drive?
December 1st 2006 Forklift trucks have been an essential part of warehouse life for many years, performing heavy lifting work tirelessly, quickly and efficiently. However, every year there are about 8000 lift truck accidents that result in injury and, on average, 10 of these are fatal. Sir Neville Bowman-Shaw, chairman of Samuk+HC, looks at some of the safety issues One of the first issues that arise is the safety of persons in the vicinity. Last month a builders' merchant was fined, after a customer suffered a broken ankle as a result of being hit by a forklift. This could have been prevented had the company kept trucks and people separate. An untrained operator of a forklift can be as dangerous as an unlicensed driver of a motor vehicle. An FLT is much heavier than a car and more difficult to control. It is the responsibility of employees to make sure drivers have the 'Certificate of Basic Forklift Truck Operator Skills', a legal requirement. With engine technology improving, a standard FLT is much faster than it was 20 years ago. While the benefits of this in terms of productivity are obvious, it does mean that it has become easier to overturn a forklift. Every year people are crushed to death in these kinds of accidents, emphasising the need for safe driving. Care should also be taken to ensure that an FLT driver is comfortable. An uncomfortable driving position increases work-related stress, causing fatigue and lapses of concentration. With driver comfort a priority, a forklift truck should incorporate features such as suspension seats to help eliminate this problem. A restraint belt is also essential. Negligent drivers are a common cause of forklift-related accidents. When a forklift is in use, it should only be operated from the driver's position. Passengers should be strictly barred unless the FLT was specifically designed for that purpose. Drivers should always look in the direction of travel and make sure they have a clear view of the travel path. Another problem is the use of forklift trucks that are not fit for active duty. In 1996 a driver was killed, when the FLT he was using to unload steel tubing from a flatbed trailer overturned. An inspection of the forklift revealed a damaged rear axle stop and a slack steering mechanism. Also, the machine was not fitted with a seat belt. One solution might be to employ more factory inspectors to condemn old machines. A new forklift is expensive and some companies will run them for as long as they can before purchasing a new one. This leads to trucks being used past their designed service life, a dangerous safety issue. The UK materials handling industry has come up with an answer to poor forklift maintenance: Thorough Examination. Similar to a car MOT, it is a legal requirement and applies to trucks as little as one year old. It is a joint initiative from the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) and the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA). Through a stringent series of tests carried out by a 'Competent Person', it ensures that forklifts, at the time of testing, are safe, protecting employees and the business. A Thorough Examination should be carried out at least every 12 months and, depending on the application this may be reduced to as frequently as every four months. Checks for the forklift operator to carry out at the start of a shift include: Are the controls (e.g. lift, lower and tilt) working smoothly? Are the brakes functioning correctly? Sudden stops can cause tipping. Does the parking brake hold the truck on an incline? Is the seat belt accessible and in good condition? Are there any hydraulic leaks in the mast or anywhere else? These could cause slipping hazards or lead to hydraulic failure. Are the fuel connections tight? Is there excessive lint, oil or grease on the truck that could catch fire? Are the battery terminals covered? Dropping a piece of metal across battery terminals can cause an explosion. Does the horn work? Is the engine showing signs of overheating? Are the tyres in good condition and at the proper pressure? A tyre with low pressure or a tyre failure can cause a forklift to fall or tip when a load is high. Check for deformation or cracks in the forks, mast, overhead guard, or backrest. Can you read the load capacity plate? Finally, in addition to all the above, make sure you get forklifts serviced by a qualified engineer. The surface on which a forklift operates is also important. It is essential that a floor will support the vehicle and the load it is carrying. Bear in mind that the full weight of the load, plus part of the weight of the forklift, may be centred near a single wheel. Check the floor for loose objects, bumps or depressions as these can cause loss of steering control or unbalance the load. While FLTs have the potential to be dangerous, modern forklift's provide a high level of protection and safety to the operator. Used correctly and in accordance with health and safety legislation, they will perform the role of efficient workhorse for the warehouse for many years. More articles from Samuk Lift Trucks Limited: | 
