Proper Lift Truck Operation

                       A SAFETY TALK FOR

                      DISCUSSION LEADERS



This safety talk is designed for discussion leaders to use in preparing safety

meetings.



Set a specific time and date for your safety meeting.  Publicize your meeting

so everyone involved will be sure to attend.



Review this safety talk before the meeting and become familiar with its

content. Make notes about the points made in this talk that pertain to your

workplace.  You should be able to present the material in your own words and

lead the discussion without reading it.



Seating space is not absolutely necessary, but arrangements should be made so

that those attending can easily see and hear the presentation.



Collect whatever materials and props you will need ahead of time.  Try to use

equipment in your workplace to demonstrate your points.





                      DURING THE MEETING



Give the safety talk in your own words.  Use the printed talk merely as a

guide.



The purpose of a safety meeting is to initiate discussion of safety problems

and provide solutions to those problems.  Encourage employees to discuss

hazards or potential hazards the encounter on the job. Ask them to suggest ways

to improve safety in their area.



Don't let the meeting turn into a gripe session about unrelated topics.  As

discussion leader, its your job to make sure the topic is safety.  Discussing

other topics wastes time and can ruin the effectiveness of your safety meeting.



At the end of the meeting, ask employees to sign a sheet on the back of this

talk as a record that they attended the safety meeting.  Keep this talk on file

for your records.





Proper Lift Truck Operation





Powered industrial trucks are essential for the quick and easy movement of

loads that used to take several workers hours to complete. But like other

conveniences that save work and time, forklifts and  hy-lifts may be taken for

granted. For you, that's a dangerous practice.



When companies select lift truck operators, they consider the competence,

dependability, and mental and physical fitness of the individuals. It is then

up to you, the smooth operators, to live up to the responsibility that is

placed upon you.  Smooth operators must know how to operate the trucks

carefully and safely and react correctly to every situation.



All smooth operators know the maximum load limit of their lifts and never

permit an overload. They are aware that their trucks are to be backed down a

ramp, but a load going uphill should be in front. Before backing a lift truck,

smooth operators check to see if any co-workers or objects are in their paths.

Remember, pedestrians always have the right of way.



The smooth operators check their machines thoroughly before starting them and

report malfunctions immediately. Before and after each shift, smooth operators

check the brakes, steering, controls, forks, hoist, warming devices and lights.



Forklift masts should be tilted back when the lift is driven. Smooth operators

keep their heads, arms and legs inside the truck. The forks are kept about 6

inches above the ground while the truck is being driven. Smooth operators know

that a lift is not an elevator for other workers.



Common hazards, such as co-workers working in the area, other truck traffic and

poor surface conditions, are recognized by smooth operators. They drive on the

right side under normal conditions, avoid quick starts, quick turns and jerky

stops, come to a complete stop before reversing direction and watch the

distance between other vehicles.



Smooth operators are also courteous; they sound their horns when approaching a

blind corner or when other workers do not see them.



Driving surfaces are the same potential hazard for all drivers, including lift

operators. Smooth operators reduce speed when the surface is rough or slick and

do not exceed the height, weight or lifting capacity of the truck. They check

clearance and when loading a truck bed, they know the weight capacity and

condition of the bed.



Besides knowing company rules, smooth operators know their machines and the

conditions of the job, have a sense of safety for themselves and others, are

able to concentrate on the job at hand, and have a strong sense of pride in

their jobs.



Smooth operators are the key to safety--they operate the machines properly,

efficiently and alertly. Smooth operators keep their cool.

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Text Version