Forklift
Â
DefinitionÂ
      Forklift is a mini truck, is meant for transport of materials from godown / store / transport to other short distances. Forklifts are specified with their weights and speed and the same information is located on a nameplate provided by the manufacturer. It is therefore loads must not exceed these specifications. Forklifts contains rear-wheel steering for operations which increases maneuverability in cornering situations within the factory or workplace.
Â
  Forklifts are known for its instability. Forklifts should never be turn sharply or in speed when carrying load, as where the centrifugal and gravitational forces may combine and leads to an accident.
Â
   Forklift must be driven by authorized drivers. Safe operation of forklifting results in more efficient and profitable handling of materials and reduces losses due to injuries, property damage and excessive maintenance.
Â
Â
Components of Forklift Truck:
Power source,
- Mast,
- Frame,Â
- Counterweight,
- Cab,
- Axles,
- Overhead guard,
- Load backrest,
- Hydraulic pump,
- Hydraulic lines,
- Hydraulic controls,
- Hydraulic cylinders & attachments.
Â
Propulsion System
The propulsion of Forklift are:
- Internal Combustion: Forklifts may be installed with two-stroke / four-stroke compression ignition engine or two-stroke / four-stroke spark ignition engine which may needs diesel, kerosene, gasoline, natural gas, butane or propane fueled.
- Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG): These forklifts run on LPG (is stored in gas cylinder and secured rear of the truck) which is used in internal combustion engine. LPG trucks are quieter and offers similar performance as compared to others.
- Battery Electric: Some Forklifts are powered by lead-acid batteries or lithium-ion batteries. These batteries prevent harmful fumes emission are thus it is also recommended for indoor facilities i.e., food-processing centers, healthcare sectors, etc.
- Hydrogen Fuel cell: Hydrogen Fuel Cell forklifts are powered by a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. This reaction is used to generate the electricity, which is stored in a battery. These batteries are used to drive electric motors and so these are installed in forklifts. These batteries must be kept in refrigerated warehouses as their performance is not degraded by lower temperatures.
Â
Safety Precautions must be taken by person while loading and unloading of items are:
- Never transport chemicals, oil or flammable materials in open topped containers.
- The hand brakes must be applied when parking or when lifting or lowering operation took place.
- Never allow anyone to walk under elevated fork.
- Keep within the regulation / uniform speed at working area.
- Beware of overhead pipes, cables and roof trusses.
- Always position the fork in the lowest position when travelling with the load.
- Do not put arms, head between the mark upright of the fork.
- Homemade attachments must never be used along with forklift.
- Do not move the forklift with insecure loads.
- Lower your load slowly.
- Exhaust pipe should have spark arrestor.
- Stop and start smoothly.
- Take the weight and test your steering before lifting load or commencing work.
- Travel at safe speeds consistent with condition.
- Wear helmet, safety boot and other required PPEs.
- Electric battery changing and charging operation should be performed by trained and authorized person (i.e., Safety Officer, Supervisor, etc.).
- Battery terminals should be cleaned and tight connection and securely locked the battery forklift.
- Toolbox Talks should be provided by Safety Officer / Supervisor or any competent person prior commencing work.
Â
Causes of Forklift
accidentsÂ
Â
- Lack of skill or knowledge, the forklift operator must be trained and certified.
- Lack of concentration leads to accidents.
- Taking chances, all of us take certain chances every day. These chances taking could be or could not be result injury.
Â
How to reduce
- IITS: Provide periodic and quality information, instruction, training and supervision.
- Selection process: Forklift truck operators must be recruited trained, licensed and certified. Certification may be required for each individual class of lift that an operator uses / operates.
- Medical problems: Health care providers do not recommend those workers who drive forklift with chronic or acute pain, poor health or heart condition.
- PA System: Forklifts should be fixed with PA System (Pedestrian Alert System) for guidance while driving, intimation of forklift operation, etc.
- PD System: Pedestrian Detection System has sensor installed which makes the difference between a person & an object and alerts the driver with alarm.
Â