Propane forklifts offer reliable performance, increased
productivity, versatility, and lower emissions for a variety of material
handling operations, which is why they're often called upon to work
around the clock to keep businesses on schedule.
For all their benefits, though, forklifts and other powered
industrial trucks bring with them various potential hazards that can
endanger both pedestrians and operators. Forklifts need to be operated
safely in order to prevent time-loss accidents.
By following forklift safety procedures while behind the wheel,
operators can protect themselves and co-workers. Safe operation of
propane-powered forklifts also goes hand in hand with greater
productivity.
Maximize safety by reinforcing these 10 simple steps:
1. Buckle up. Overturned forklifts are a leading cause of
forklift-related accidents and fatalities. Buckling up while a sit-down
forklift is in use can save operators from getting crushed by the
machine's overhead guard or roll cage.
2. Inspect propane cylinders prior to operation. Thoroughly inspect
the forklift's propane cylinders after removal from a storage cage to
ensure they're in good condition. Check cylinders for rust, dents, and
gouges. Use your senses of smell, hearing, and sight to check for leaks
in the cylinder. Cylinders that show signs of wear or leaks should not
be used and may need to be replaced even if within the cylinder's
requalification date.
3. Stop the forklift before raising or lowering the forks. Ensuring
the forklift is stopped before moving the forks can greatly reduce the
risk of tipping the machine or dropping the load.
4. Set the parking brake, lower the forks, and set controls to
neutral when finished. Safely parked forklifts reduce the danger of
unintended movement when a forklift is left unattended. If a forklift is
parked on an incline, the machine can be further secured with wheel
blocks.
5. Store propane cylinders in a secure rack or cage. A propane
cylinder storage rack or cage should be located away from exits,
stairways, entryways, or high-traffic areas. Forklift cylinders can be
stored horizontally with the pressure-relief valves in the uppermost
position. Operators should use proper lifting techniques when removing
cylinders from storage and placing them onto a forklift.
6. Close service valves on propane cylinders when not in use. This
helps prevent unintended fuel loss and potential injury around
internal-combustion engines.
7. Keep loads within the weight capacity of the forklift.
Overloading a forklift can greatly increase the risk of tipping the
machine by unbalancing the forklift's center of gravity.
8. Use caution on grades or ramps. Operators should use slow speeds
for both ascending and descending, and avoid lifting pallets or loads
higher than is needed to clear the road surface. For grades greater than
10 percent, forklifts both ascending and descending should be driven
with the load upgrade. Forks should be pointed downgrade when there is
no load regardless of the direction of travel.
9. Ensure the pressure-relief valve on the propane cylinder is
secure and points away from the locating pin. Check that the
pressure-relief valve fitting is approximately 180 degrees from the
forklift's locating pin.
10. Slow down and sound the horn at locations where vision is
obstructed. Forklift operators should always look in the direction of
travel and should travel in reverse if loads are large enough to obscure
their view. Warehouse managers can have spotters located at corners to
reduce the risk of collisions with people and other forklifts. Concave
mirrors can also be used to aid in visibility around corners or at
aisles. Always consider the noise level as well, as pedestrians or other
operators may not be able to hear a horn.
Don't let safety measures take a back seat to meeting the needs of a
busy warehouse or distribution center. Keeping safety top of mind for
operators and managers can be key in keeping business moving forward.
But the good news is that facilities using propane forklifts have a
safety resource already at their fingertips in their propane supplier,
who can help ensure safety across a facility's forklift fleet and
refueling setup throughout the life of the equipment or whenever
questions arise.
Source: www.dcvelocity.com
Question:
"This program is very beneficial. The attention to detail, safety
and documentation was extraordinary and benefits all who take it!
Thanks!" Cache, BC Liquor.
