Safety Tidbit 8.11 – Powered Industrial Trucks

 

Safety Tidbit 8.11 – Powered Industrial Trucks

Reference: Department of Labor Logo United States Department of Labor.” 1910.178 - Powered Industrial Trucks. | Occupational Safety and Health Administration, https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.178.

Narri Meyer, a Junior in the Safety, Health, and Environmental Applied Sciences Program at the Indiana University of PA, graduating in the Spring of 2024.

Powered industrial trucks are also well-known as forklifts or lift trucks. They are primarily used in industries like factories and construction. They can move, lower, or raise objects onto pallets, boxes, and other containers. There are many different hazards associated with them. It all depends on what kind of forklift it is and what industry it is being used in.

There are many different types of forklifts. In total, there are seven different types, each that have different hazards and operations. Class I is a basic electric motor rider truck. It is used for standing or sitting and has cushion tires. Class II is also an electric motor rider but is used for narrow aisles. Class III is an electric motor hand truck, but they are used for low platforms. Class IV is an internal combustion engine truck. The only difference between class IV to class V is that class V has cushioned tires, unlike class IV. Class VI trucks are tractors with either electric or internal combustion engines. Class VII trucks are used for rough terrain, and the forklifts can be extended.

Driving and operating a forklift in the workplace can be dangerous and cause many hazards. The driver must ensure no one is standing near the forklift while it operates. No worker can stand or pass under the lift while in operation. There should be sufficient headspace under the lights and sprinkler systems. All aisles and stairways must be cleared while the forklift is operating. The operator must only operate an approved forklift for the specific hazardous location.

I hope this was helpful, and thank you for reading my Safety Tidbits! Comments and questions are always welcome. ~ Bryan

 

P.S. Please let me know if you have a new safety or health question.