Oregon T2 Center Director

Circuit Rider Corner—Forklift Safety Part 2

Most workplaces find forklifts very essential, but none of us want forklift accidents and injuries.  Forklifts are not a toy to play with; operators must be trained and carefully develop the necessary skills to operate them safely.

Part 1 in the last newsletter detailed the basic training all operators are to receive before ever using a forklift, as required by OSHA safety rules.  Here are some safety tips to consider once you are ready to step on the forklift and begin operation.  Often, a checklist is provided for each forklift, which helps the operator be sure he/she covers the necessary checks.

· Are you familiar with the area(s) where you will now be operating?  If not, have your supervisor review them with you.

· Do a walk-around basic maintenance check before starting the forklift.  Be sure the data plate is in place and legible, and that you understand what it tells you about this particular forklift. Check the tires (chunks missing, air pressure OK, lug nuts tight); forks (stress/fatigue cracks); mast, pressure hoses, and chains.  Then check the forks back rest; engine fluid levels and circulating hoses.  Do you have a clear view through the overhead guard?  Is the seat belt in place?  Are the batteries and fuel secure?  Are the mirrors in place?  Is there any fluid showing under forklift? and so on.

· Climb on using the three-point mount.  Put on the seatbelt and adjust the seat.  Check steering play.  Familiarize yourself with the gauges and control levers.  Be sure operating gear is in neutral and the parking brake set.  Adjust mirrors as necessary.

· Start the forklift.  Does it sound OK?  Check all the gauges, backup alarm, lights, horn, brakes, and so on.   How’s your overhead clearance if you elevate the forks/mast at this location?

· Once again, familiarize yourself with the control levers now that the engine is running, but be sure others are clear first.  Work with a spotter, if available, while doing this.

· At least once a week, at start-up, raise the mast/forks to their highest level to lubricate the mechanisms involved.  Don’t forget that overhead clearance check first!  Make sure there are no pedestrians near who might decide to walk under or near those raised forks.

If you note any problems with the brakes, steering, horns, or tires, or see any leaks, report them immediately.

In the next newsletter, we’ll get you moving, and we’ll cover some of the basic operating safety tips.

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We will soon begin working on a schedule for these classes and notices will be sent out to agency contacts when those dates are firmed up. We also plan on offering both of these classes at the 2012 APWA Street Maintenance and Collection Systems Spring School scheduled for April 10^th to April 13^th at the Agate Beach Best Western. In addition, we will also be offering the Level 2 class RS-14 Roadway Safety Fundamentals 1 at the spring school for those who have completed the Level 1 requirements.

In addition to our partnership training and our Roads Scholar classes, the T2 Center also has provided over 140 no-cost training classes upon request in 2011.  You'll find a description of the classes on our website at: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TD/TP_T2/ .  The classes are taught by our three in-house trainers, Bill Kolzow, Dave White and Gene Rushing.  To schedule one of the listed training classes, the RS-7 and RS-8 Roads Scholar classes or if you just have questions, please contact Rebekah Clack at the T2 Center by calling (800) 544-7134 or (503) 986-2855.