Forklift Operator SOP

Definition of Purpose
The purpose of this procedure is to detail the general requirement for safety operation of a fork lift

Personnel Effected
All trained Highline Farms personal

Requirements for safe operation
Failure to operate equipment safely is a very common root cause to safety accidents and near misses. Given proper training and supervision, the responsibility for operating lifting devices safely falls on the responsibility of each trained operator.

The MOL also has the right to personally fine individuals up to $195.00 for unsafe practices. If the MOL decides to prosecute, convicted individuals depending on the severity of the situation they may be subject to a fine of $100,000 or imprisonment, while corporations may be fined up to $1.5 million

Procedure

General Operation
Pre-operational Check (circle check)
1. Before operating a lift truck, a competent operator shall:
• Carry out a visual inspection of the truck and its attachments to ensure that all are in good operating condition, using a check list provided by the employer.
• Follow recommended procedure for daily inspections of oil water levels
2. Start up, a competent operator shall:
• Use the correct mounting procedure
• Assume the appropriate driving position
• Ensure transmission/directional control lever is in Neutral
• Ensure parking brakes are applied
• Activate the start button/switch
• Ensure the system is operating
3. Starting, Stopping and Turning, a competent operator shall:
• Start and stop safely with and without a load
• Allow sufficient room for turning corners
• Operate at slow speed when turning
• Use appropriate steering techniques when turning in confined and limited spaces
4. Shut Down/Parking, a competent operator shall:
• Bring the truck to a complete stop, sets the parking brake, return the transmission/
directional control lever to Neutral.
• Lower forks to the ground, tilt them forward
• Use appropriate shut down procedure and turns off the power supply
• Chock wheels if risk of truck moving.
5. Forward and Reverse Driving on Level Ground, a competent operator shall:
• Keep all parts of the body inside the operators compartment at all times
• Ensure clear visibility in the intended direction of travel
• If visibility is restricted, drives the truck in reverse or asks to be guided
• Keep the load-engaging means or the load itself low (usually within 10cm of the floor) and tilted backward
• Keep safe operating distance from other lifting devices, pedestrians, machinery.
• Observe traffic management rules establishes by the employer.
• Drive at an appropriate speed, taking into consideration the type of device, the loads the pedestrian traffic along the path of travel route, any obstructions and the condition of the driving surface
• Adjust fork arms and/or attachments appropriately to maintain stability.
• Observe weight restrictions for the floors and elevators
• Take appropriate action when meeting restrictions such as overhead equipment and/or other obstructing stationary structures
6. Forward and Reverse Driving on Inclines, Ramps or Uneven Terrain, a competent operator shall:
• When not carrying a load, travels forward down an incline and travels in reverse up an incline.
• When carrying a load, travels in reverse down an incline and travels forward up an incline.
• Ensures that there is sufficient clearance for the lift truck, operator and load prior to travelling on a incline or uneven terrain
• Does not turn the truck around on a ramp or incline
• Drive at an appropriate speed taking into consideration the effects of gradient on the truck and on load security
• Approaches the grade straight and not on an angle
• Operate the gears
• Ensure visibility is clear in the direction of travel
• Verify that the incline doe as not exceed the maximum permissible slope.
7. Operating Around Personnel, a competent operator shall:
• Always face in the direction of travel
• When turning, ensures no personnel is within the trucks danger zone
• Observes employer’s guidelines for ensuring the safety of pedestrians
• If stopped at intersection, does not move until eye contact is made with any personnel at the intersection.
• Maintains a safe distance from pedestrians
8. Selection of Loads, Before picking up a load, a competent operator shall:
• Assess the weight distribution of the load and identify limitations of the structure where the load has to be placed
• Ensure that the load is within the rated capacity for the device, taking into account the job to be done
• Check forks/ attachments to ensure that they are safe to use with respect to capacity rating
9. Load Pick Up and Placement, a competent operator shall:
• Check overhead clearance
• Ensures truck is a safe distance from any line power lines
• Engage at least 2/3 of the load length to be lifted and centres the load evenly on the forks
• Adjust the tilting angle of the mast, height of the forks arms and reach extension to stabilize the load.
• Ensure no loose articles lying on top of the load
• Does not drag the forks when inserting or withdrawing them from a load
• Does not raise or lower loads while truck is in motion
10. Load Security and Integrity, a competent operator shall:
• Observe the limits for freestanding stack heights.
• Make sure load is secure and balanced before lifting
11. Stacking and De-stacking, a competent operator shall:
• Is able to stack safely the particular types of loads encountered in the workplace
• Ensure that pallets or skids are safe to moved and stored; for example, ensure no broken runners or legs.
12. Personnel Lifting, Lowering and Supporting, a competent operator shall:
• Ensure lift truck meets prescribed requirements.
• Use only a platform specifically designed for the purpose and having a guardrail
• Ensure that the platform is secured to the mast as prescribed
• Raise and lower the platform to test its operation before allowing anyone on it
• Ensure that the person on the platform is secured as prescribed
• Keep the upright in a vertical position
• Remains at the controls at all times while a person is on the platform
• Does not travel with personnel on the platform
• Ensure the safety of pedestrians in the area.
13. Loading Trucks, before Driving into any Truck or Trailer, a competent operator shall:
• Ensure that the vehicle being loaded is adequately restrained to prevent movement.
• Inspect floors for stability and integrity.
• Ensure that the dock plate is one designed to support the mass of the loaded lift truck
• Ensure that the dock plate is firmly in position.
14. Loading and Unloading, a competent operator shall:
• Verify that the structure where the loads has to be placed to carry the weight of the load.
• When stacking loads, does not block access to fire extinguishers, exits or stairways.
• Ensure the load at the bottom is secure and levelled.
• Tilt load forward
• Exit with load level
15. Operational Maintenance Refueling and Recharging, a competent operator shall:
• Follow the manufactures requirements and employer’s procedure for safe refueling and charging of lift trucks including:
• Wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment, including eye protection.
• Properly positioning and securing vehicle
• Observing workplace precaution with respect to fires.