2. 2 Fork-2
INTRODUCTION
Forklifts are very useful for moving raw materials, tools
and equipment in many industries including construction.
But unfortunately, they also feature prominently in work
place accidents. About 1/3 of all transport related
accidents involve lift trucks. These accidents result from a
lack of operator training, poor maintenance and no safe
systems of work regarding lift truck operations.
4. 4 Fork-2
TYPES OF FORKLIFTS
3 types generally used in construction
Industrial counter balanced lift truck
Rough terrain counter balanced lift truck
Telescopic material handler
5. 5 Fork-2
INDUSTRIAL COUNTER
BALANCED TYPE
Counter weight to balance
Mast
Only raise or lower
Only operate on smooth solid surfaces
Poor ground clearance
Usually solid tyres
Fueled by battery/electric, gas, diesel
18. 18 Fork-2
DIESEL FUEL
Use refueling area
Turn off engine and use parking brake
Avoid overfilling the fuel tank
19. 19 Fork-2
BATTERY CHARGING
Change in a well ventilated area
Use eye protection when making connections
Have eye wash facilities available
Have an acid neutralizing agent available
Don’t over fill the batteries with water
Counter weight for ballast, similar to crane.
Mast which holds forks can only be tilted through 15o
Loads can only be raised or lowered.
A smooth surface such as concrete or tarmac is needed for safe operations.
Will get stuck if driven on rough or soft surfaces.
Solid tyres give stability but poor traction.
Very low center of gravity.
First 3 conditions the same as industrial counter balance.
Large pneumatic tyres give it greater ground clearance.
It has greater ability to operate on uneven and soft ground and it is used in the construction and agri businesses.
Rough terrain forks usually hual crab steer and 4 wheel drive.
Similar to a mobile crane, this fork is fitted with a boom that is usually pivoted at the rear of the machine. The boom is raised and lowered by hydraulic rams. In addition, the boom can be extended or retracted to give extra height and reach. These machines come in 2 or 4 wheel drive and can hual 2 or 4 wheel steering. Heavy duty machines have stabilizers, various attachments can be used such as concrete skips and loading shovels. They are widely used in construction.
Operators should have a stable disposition. They should have the capabilities to perform their duties, follow instruction and mature enough to recognize dangerous situations.
Operators should be free from any physical or mental illness which would impair their operating capabilities.
Operators in construction should be a minimum of 18 years old.
Basic - All LT operators should under take an Operators Training Course. Be it by ECI FAS or some other qualified body.
Job Specific - Each task on site should be proceeded by an SPA involving everyone associated with the operation of the LT.
Familiarization - While the operator may be certified he/she needs to become familiar with the particular machine they are driving and the layout of the area they will be operating in. On a building site where the working environment changes daily the operator must attend TBA’s SPA’s and be constantly updated regarding site conditions.
Certification - Operators should be trained and hold a Certificate of Competency in the operation of an LT.
Assessment - Each operator should be monitored by their supervisor who should check for driving skills, alcohol or drug problems and who should investigate any driving or operator incidents.
Each machine must be certified once yearly or after extensive repairs or alterations. Safe Load Certs should be retained by the LT operator. Each machine must have an annual thorough examination report which is usually carried out by the owners insurance company.
Always plan lifts using SPA.
Don’t encroach on pedestrian routes. If necessary obtain permission and post signage / barriers.
Use the horn when approaching blind corners or entering and leaving buildings.
Make sure the LT has a flashing beacon and reversing beeper.
Drivers must use the minimum PPE required on site.
When reversing always check the route with your mirrors as well as turning around.
6 months or 1,000 hour maintenance periods are recommended by the manufacture.
All chains and lifting tackle must be thoroughly examined every 6 months.
Each machine must be examined and certified annually.
Every 50 hours or weekly, the LT should be checked by a competent person other than the operator.
The LT driver is obliged to check hit LT prior to use. He is responsible for reporting defects and keeping an inspection log.
A check sheet is available.
Operators must have a copy of the test certificates. He/she must know the capabilities of the machine.
Operator must lift and secure the load so it will safely reach its destination. Must keep the set routes obeying speed limits and signage.
Operator must not use a defective or uncertified LT.
The terrain travelled is usually varied sloping, soft, steep, slippy and muddy, so a greater skill is required to operator a rough terrain LT.
Travel routes should be chosen carefully and the condition of tyres is important.
LT’s are harder to steer and control due to 4 wheel drive and loss of traction due to bounce.
Some inclines can be so steep the parking brake will not hold.
The same principles apply to telescopic booms as to rough terrain c/b. The ability to achieve greater reach with loads increase the hazards of operation particularly over turning to counter act this. Some machines haul stabilizes. The telescopic boom presents the hazard of tipping forward. Therefore, the boom must be fully retracted when travelling. Operator skills are a major factor in the safe operating of telescopic machines as the SWL decreases with the extension of the boom and its degree of elevation. Manufactures specifications must be adhered to. Automatic load indicators must be fitting and operated.
