OPERATOR TRAINING OSHA Sections 1910.178(I)(1)(i) - (I)(4)(iii) The employer must ensure that each operator has successfully completed the required training to operate the type of truck he/she will be using. Re-certification is required every 3 years. LIGHTS & ALARMS OSHA Section 1910.178(i)(1) When general lighting is less than 2 lumens per square foot, auxiliary lighting shall be provided on the truck. Back up alarms, amber strobes, and a horn can significantly reduce operator accidents and prevent product damage and operator injury. AERIAL INSPECTIONS The owner of an aerial platform has to ensure that an annual inspec- tion is performed on the aerial platform no later than 13 months from the date of the prior annual inspection. The inspection shall be performed by a person(s) qualified as a mechanic on the specific make and model of the aerial platform. The inspection shall include all items specified by the manufacturer for an annual inspection. CHAINS Chains should be inspected, cleaned and lubricated after every 100 hours of service and more frequently in abusive or cold environments. Chains should be replaced when it has elongated by 3%. Chains can never be repaired by replacing a section. FORKS ANSI/ITSDF B56.1-2009, 6.2.8 Forks should be inspected at least once a year (single shift operation, and more frequently in severe applications) for wear and distortion. ANSI ITSDF states, “if the thickness is reduced by 10% of the original thickness, the fork cannot be used.” TIRES Tires are often overlooked on lift trucks. Forklifts have no suspension or shocks, therefore all of the impact is transferred directly to the operator. Plus, worn or chunked tires reduce load capacity and can seriously hinder a standard operation. Pneumatic-shaped solid tires should be replaced when the thickness of the tire has worn to about three quarters of the original section height. Press- on tires should be replaced when 30% of the tires tread has worn off. DAILY INSPECTIONS OSHA Section 1910.178(q)(7) Industrial trucks must be examined before being placed in service. If the examination shows any condition adversely affecting the safety of the vehicle, it cannot be used. Such examination must be made daily. When used in multiple shifts, they must be re-examined at the beginning of each shift. Defects must be reported and corrected before use. FALL PROTECTION ANSI/ITSDF B56.1-2009, 4.17.1 Now, the weight of the operator determines the type of safety restraint used on low lift and high lift operator-up trucks. Also, fixed length, non-energy absorbing lanyards are no longer permitted for these applications. 1 2 4 3 An operator may use the corresponding device based on their weight: body belt + self-retracting lanyard full-body harness + energy-absorbing lanyard full-body harness + self-retracting lanyard X X X X X X > 220 lbs. 220 - 310 lbs. 311 - 400 lbs. YOUR COMPANY IS AT RISK! Lift Truck accidents are very costly to companies. The costs associated are: Product and equipment damage Lost time Increased insurance costs Litigation It is not uncommon for accidents to cost a company over 1 million dollars. Some companies cannot survive the aftermath of such an accident, and permanently close their doors. HOW TO AVOID: OSHA FINES | OPERATOR INJURIES | PRODUCT DAMAGE AN 8 POINT GUIDE PROVIDED BY TRI-LIFT NJ 6 5 7 8