Forklift Operator Safety Training

FORKLIFT OPERATOR SAFETY TRAINING

 COURSE OUTLINE


INTRODUCTION

The overall objectives of the course are discussed with the trainees,
placing an emphasis on individual operator responsibilities. 
The shift in liability from the company to the operator is stressed
for those who are trained and obtain a license. The operators will 
be trained in safety precautions, avoiding accidents, proper material
handling techniques, and protecting equipment and stock.

GETTING TO KNOW THE FORKLIFT

Learning the unique capabilities of the forklift. Restricted view, 
rear wheel steering, stability, limited driving space, and exercising
extreme caution due to pedestrian traffic are covered in this section.

TYPES OF MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT

Walk or Rider Pallet Transporters, narrow aisle equipment such as
reach trucks, order pickers, turret or swing reach trucks and side
loaders. The counter balance truck is then discussed in detail, 
concentrating on the handling capabilities, maneuvering, components, 
forks, mast, drive and steer axles, and load backrest extensions.

THE PRE-SHIFT INSPECTION

The walk around inspection and in depth pre-shift inspection are
two of the most important daily routines that must be logged and
maintained. Not only can this prevent damage, accidents and 
expensive repairs, it can also protect the company from liability
in the event of injury. Proper techniques for performing the 
inspection, assigning a specific person, reporting problems, 
and updating the log book are responsibilities that all forklift 
operators must know in order to avoid accidents or injury.

PROPANE AND BATTERY HANDLING

Handling and changing propane tanks can be more dangerous than
it seems. Proper handling and changing techniques and how to 
check for leaks and other problems are covered in this section.
Also, using an electric forklift, and proper instructions for 
changing and maintaining the battery are relayed.

EXTRACTS FROM THE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT

Topics include (section 1.2) who may use material handling equipment
(ie. "competent person"), Regulation 49; lifting and stacking, 
Regulation 55; examinations and safety equipment, trained operators, 
and precautions, Regulation 60;obstructed view, Regulation 61; 
immobilizing equipment, Regulation 62, how to immobilize equipment, 
and Regulation 63; maximum capacity ratings and usage. Please note that
we will use reulations from your state or province in this section.
 
THE ELEVATING ASSEMBLY

Definitions are given for collapsed height, free lift, full free lift,
maximum fork height and overall extended height. As well, safe 
operating practices are covered in detail.

LOAD AND STABILITY

Topics include: rear wheel steering, capacity, the stability triangle,
centre of gravity, lateral stability, longitudinal stability, tipping 
axises, extended load centre, proper load placement, tilt and load 
centre distances, load composition and ramps and inclines.

DOCKS, TRUCKS AND TRAILERS

Checking dock plates, making sure wheels are chocked, trailer jacks,
floor condition and capacity, lighting, horn operation, height 
requirements.

TRUCK POSITIONING AND OPERATION

Negotiating tight turns, pivot points, moving around obstacles, 
separation distances, handling pallets, driving in reverse.

LOAD AND PICK UP PROCEDURES

Squaring a load, setting forks to the correct height and position, 
aligning the mast, applying the brake, tilting the load, sounding 
the horn, backing up, and visibility requirements.

LOAD AND STACKING PROCEDURES

Squaring the load, lifting the load, braking, tilting the load, 
leveling the load, proper stacking procedures, letting the load 
settle, fork positioning, travelling position.

OPERATIONS TAPE

Classifications of fork trucks, fire safety designations, pre-shift 
inspections, data plates and capacities, reporting problems, load
centres and stability, lifting, loading, stacking.

Three point suspension system, high centre of gravity, stability 
triangle, maximum capacity under normal operating conditions, 
weight shifts, rear steering, rear end swing, sounding the horn, 
safety precautions, surface conditions, inclines, crossing 
rail road tracks and other gradients, weather conditions and 
slippery surfaces, picking up a load, setting a load, public carriers, 
parking and immobilizing.