Coleraine Minerals Research Laboratory

Power Industrial Trucks

Prepared by: Mahjoub Labyad, MISUMD Environmental Health and Safety Office218-726-7273

August 2009

What are Powered Industrial Trucks

A mobile, power-propelled truck used to carry, push, pull, lift, stack or tier materials. [American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) definition]

Commonly known as Forklifts, Pallet Trucks, Rider Trucks, Fork Trucks, or Lift Trucks.

Powered through either electric, or combustion engines.

Excluded are vehicles used for earth moving and over-the-road hauling.

Examples of PITs

Scope of the StandardThe provisions of 29CFR-1910.178(a), which are based

on ANSI B56.1 – 1969 cover: fork trucks, tractors, platform lift trucks, motorized

hand trucks, and other specialized industrial trucks powered by electric motors or internal combustion engines.

It does not apply to compressed air or nonflammable compressed gas-operated industrial trucks, farm vehicles, nor vehicles intended primarily for earth moving or over-the-road hauling.

This scope covers general industry (Coleraine/University), construction, and shipyards.

Accident Stats

Powered industrial truck accidents cause approximately 100 fatalities and 36,340 serious injuries in general industry and construction annually.

It is estimated that 20-25% of the accidents are, at least in part, caused by inadequate training.

Video Presentation

Click to play movie:

1. PIT Driver Breaks His Back

2. Stay in the Cab Stay Alive

Performance Oriented Training

The PIT operator training requirements are performance-oriented. It permits CMRL to tailor a training program to the characteristics of the Coleraine facility workplace and to the particular types of power industrial trucks operated in on our work-site .

Operator Training

Competency To make sure that each PIT operator is

competent to operate a the truck safely, as specified in the OSHA standard.

Except for training purposes, all operators must successfully complete this required PIT training, or show proof of a previously completed training in order to operate any PIT at Coleraine Minerals Research Lab.

Training Program Implementation

Trainees may operate a PIT only: Under direct supervision of a person

who has the knowledge, training, and experience to train operators and evaluate their competence; and

Where such operation does not endanger the trainee or other employees or causes property damage.

Unique Characteristics of PIT

Each type of powered industrial truck has its own unique characteristics and some inherent hazards.

To be effective, training must address the unique characteristics of the type of vehicles used at the worksite, and which the employee is being trained to operate.(Gather employees around the each of your PIT’s and do an inspection and review PIT’s particular characteristics)

Coleraine Power Industrial Trucks and Aerial Lifts

Coleraine currently has ___ PITs and ___ Aerial Lifts in use ___ Boom trucks

Requirement

Training is required for any person controlling or riding any of these PITs

Pre-Operation Assessment

Pre-operation assessment must be preformed before using/operating a PIT(an inspection form must be filled out each time)

Vehicle Assessment

Environment Assessment

Vehicle Assessment Walk-around Inspection checking

for damage or missing parts Electrical components, wiring and

electrical cables Hydraulic hoses and fittings Nuts bolts and other fasteners Weld or structural cracks Decals and the Operating Instruction

Manual are legible and in place

Vehicle Assessment Function Tests

Make sure all controls are labeled and operating correctly Including emergency stops and controls

Make sure operating controls do not work when emergency stop is engaged

Repair any damage or malfunctions before operating equipment.

Environment Assessment Inspect Environment and be aware

of

Possible Obstructions People in the Area Dangerous Slopes, Ledges or Holes Wet, Slippery or Rough Terrain Electrocution and Fire Hazards

Before Using

Avoid hazardous situations Always perform a pre operation

inspection Always perform function tests prior to

use Inspect the workplace Only use the machine as it was

intended

Electrical Hazard

PITs are not electrically insulated, and will not provide protection from contact with, or proximity to electrical current.

Electrical Hazards Always maintain safe distances from

electrical power lines and apparatus in accordance with applicable regulations

Allow for platform movement, electrical line sway or sag and beware of strong or gusty winds.

Keep away from equipment if in contact with energized power lines

Do not use the machine as a ground for welding

Tip-over Hazards

Equipment and materials shall not exceed the maximum platform capacity.

Ensure load is evenly distributed

Rough, Slippery, and/or Unstable Terrain

Use extreme care and slow speeds

Do not travel with the platform raised or extended

Operator must wear a safety belt or harness

Collision Hazards

Be aware of limited sight distance and blind spots when driving or operating a PIT.

Check the work area for overhead obstructions and other possible hazards.

Explosion and Fire Hazards

Do not start the engine if you smell or detect liquid petroleum gas (LPG), gasoline, diesel fuel or other explosive substances.

Do not refuel the machine with the engine running.

Refuel the machine and charge the battery only in an open, well-ventilated area away from sparks, or flames.

Do not operate the machine in hazardous locations or locations where potentially flammable or explosive gases or particles may be present.

Safety Rules Do not exceed load capacity Do not elevate load on a non-level

surface Do not lower Load unless the area

below is clear of personnel and obstructions

Check work area for overhead obstructions and other possible hazards

Weight Limits Do not load truck over capacity on

nameplate. Do not handle unstable loads.

Be very careful when handling long, high, or wide loads.

If applicable, do not exceed floor weight limits. If unsure of floor weight limits check with your supervisor

Review:Each shift, prior to starting your powered

industrialtruck, check the following:

Brakes Steering Oil Level Water Level

Tires Hydraulics Fuel level/battery change Instrument controls

Review

After starting the vehicle check:

Warning Lights Load Engaging Means

Hydraulic Control Operations

Service and parking brakes

Horn Gauges

Lift & Tilt Operations Headlights

In Review1. Know load limits.2. Conduct daily maintenance

checks. 3. Sound a warning. 4. Be aware of clearance

heights. 5. Know surface conditions. 6. Forks close to floor. 7. Body within running lines of

truck. 8. Forks tilted back when

loaded. 9. Only authorized personnel to

charge or change battery.10.THINK AND ACT SAFELY.

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