Forklift Operator Training the tireless workhorse of the lumber industry Before you start, keep this in mind Forklifts are the backbone of 84 Lumber and 84 Components Without them, we cannot receive material into the yard to sell! cannot load a truck with material and take it to a customer!
Your Safety and Well-Being is our #1 Priority DO NOT operate lift unless you have passed this operator s training course DO NOT operate lift unless you have performed a pre-use check DO NOT allow our forklifts to be operated by non-84 Lumber Associates NO RIDERS! You will be an authorized 84 Lumber forklift operator when you have Learned how to operate and understand the general workings of the forklift. Passed a written forklift operation test. Successfully completed a forklift driving test. Received authorization from 84 Lumber to operate a forklift in you location. Definition of a Forklift A self-propelled machine for hoisting and transporting heavy objects by means of steel forks inserted under a load.
Forklift Operating Principles Introduction: Loads come in many different weights and sizes. You need to know how to handle any forklift in an 84 Lumber yard safely. NO MATTER WHAT SIZE OR SHAPE OF THE LOAD PRINCIPLE #1: Balance Fulcrum: The point or support where a lever pivots. Center of Gravity: Where the fulcrum is placed that the lever is in perfect balance. Load Center: How far the center of gravity of the load being carried is from the front of the load arms.
PRINCIPLE #2: 3-Point Suspension A forklift is only suspended at three points (A, B, and C) Stability Triangle: The area where the forklift is in balance (formed by points A, B, and C) Combined Center of Gravity: A combination of the center gravities of the forklift and the load. Because of this design, a load raised high and tilted back will cause the truck to tip over backwards or to the side.
PRINCIPLE #2: 3-Point Suspension (continued) Line of Action: o A vertical line that passes through the Combined Center of Gravity. Stable: When the combined center of gravity is within the wheel base Unstable: When the combined center of gravity is outside the wheel base Dynamic Stability: o A load that was stable can become unstable when you lift, tilt, brake or accelerate with load on the forks. o It changes the position of the combined center of gravity. Additional Items: o Slippery surfaces o Odd shaped loads (trusses, etc.)
How is the forklift not like a car? Remember, a forklift is NOT like a car. You steer a forklift with the rear wheels. Exaggerated tail swing. PRINCIPLE #3: Forklift Components Major Components o Engine o Transmission o Hydraulics Controls and Instruments o Mechanical Components o Hydraulic System o Electrical o Indicator Gauges
Study and Understand the different parts of the forklift listed below 1. Roll Over Cage 2. Restraint System 3. Driver s Seat 4. Counterweight 5. Engine 6. Transmission 7. Drive Axle 8. Tires 9. Forks 10. Carriage 11. Backrest 12. Mast 13. Hydraulic System 14. Safe Operator
Every Forklift is Different! Remember: o Controls and instruments vary from forklift to forklift o Always check the operator s manual before you operate an unfamiliar forklift o Review the information shown on the data plate on each forklift Manufacturer Name Model Number Serial Number Weight Maximum Load Capacity Maximum Lifting Height Attachments Fuel Source
Daily Operational Inspections Effective forklift safety doesn t just depend on how you operate your forklift, but also in how well the forklift is maintained If a forklift fails mechanically, there could be a major accident OSHA requires operators to perform a daily inspection on forklifts Visual Inspection Fuel level Oil level Water level Seat belt Physical damage Loose parts Missing parts Operational Inspection (Engine Running) Instruments Horn Lights Lifting/Tilting Emergency Brake Entering the inspection results into the POS system daily will help 84 Lumber determine what Preventative Maintenance is necessary to keep our forklifts running and to avoid any future major accidents Inspect the Yard Throw away trash Correct misplaced lumber and dryers Correct loose items that could fall easily Look for defects (Pot Holes, etc. Throw away banding Look for ice, snow, water or oil areas
Some DON Ts DON T perform repairs you are not qualified to do DON T allow riders DON T jumpstart forklifts DON T push or pull anything with a forklift DON T speed around the yard General Refueling Do not operate forklift if you suspect a fuel leak NO SMOKING Make sure the forklift and fueling tank are grounded Fuel the forklift outside Turn the forklift off and set the LP Gas Fueling Set parking brake Turn off valve on the LP cylinder o Allow to run and use gas in the system Turn off ignition switch Remove fuel connection Loosen straps holding cylinder and remove Place new tank and re-attach hoses and straps Turn on valve on the LP cylinder
Forklift Operation Shifting: Never use the transmission as a brake Always travel at a safe speed through the yard Come to a complete stop before changing gears Steering: A forklift steers from the rear. Use two hands to steer. WARNING!!! A forklift can tip if you have a heavy load and make a sharp turn. Always carry loads upgrade. If you are going down hill with a load on the forks, go down the hill backwards to keep the load from coming off. Watch for pedestrians. Lifting, Lowering, Tilting Drive up to the load Slowly. Drive up to the load that has no one standing near it. Spaces forks properly and approach the load with level forks.
Loading and Unloading Forklift Operation (continued) Watch out for other people and forklifts NEVER raise or lower the lift if someone is within 5 feet of your lift NEVER lift a load that raises the rear of the forklift NEVER add weight to the rear for additional counterbalance DON T jamb forks into the load when picking up sheet goods Keep forks level Never allow the lift to touch the back of the load Raise the load as you approach the unloading point When backing out of a stacking situation, immediately lower your forks Move smoothly CARRY LOADS WITH THE LOAD FACING UPGRADE Unusual Loads Long material (eg. 2x4x20) Tandem lift (experienced only) Approach doorways from the side Go slow Block cylindrical loads from rolling Loads that obstruct your front view Carry the load low to the ground Carry the load backwards Loading Docks Dock boards Chock wheels
Forklift Operation (continued) Never drive a forklift toward someone when they are standing next to or against a fixed object Never park within 8 feet from the center of a railroad track Use the correct forklift for the job Never walk or stand under raised forks Do not put your arms, hands or any portion of your body between the uprights on the mast Carry loads 6 12 off the ground NEVER use the forklifts to lift other Associates WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT Parking the Lift What do I do with the forklift when I am done with it? Find a hard level place to park the forklift Shift forklift into neutral and set the emergency brake. Lower forks completely to the ground If you have no choice but to park on grade then use chocks to block the wheels.
12 Basic Forklift Safety Rules 1. Carry the load close to the ground 2. NO Riders 3. Carry the load on an incline upgrade 4. Stay alert at all times 5. Watch out for overhead obstructions 6. No Smoking 7. Don t exceed load capacity 8. Conduct the daily safety check and document 9. No Horseplay on forklifts 10. Slow and sound horn at blind corners 11. Go slow in bad traction conditions 12. Do not operate without proper 84 Lumber training Now please click on the link below to take the: Forklift Operator s Assessment. Once you have completed the online assessment, you must take and pass the Practical portion of the exam with your Store Manager. Fax the completed and signed form to your Payroll Coordinator. Forklift Operator Practical Exam Remember: Forklift re-training must be completed: o Every 3 years o After an accident involving a forklift o After you are being unsafe on a forklift