DEPARTMENT OF FACILITIES MANAGEMENT SUBJECT: Forklift Policy ISSUED DATE: 01-15-00 1.0 PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to provide safe practices for the operation, maintenance, and inspection of forklifts. This policy only applies to the Department of Facilities Management (DOFM) Forklift Operators. 2.0 SCOPE Before operating a forklift, refer to and read carefully the instructions given in the manufacturer s operating manual. 3.0 PERSONNEL RULES 3.1 Only authorized or currently certified personnel may operate the forklift. 3.2 Passengers are not permitted to ride on forklift or load. 3.3 Lounging, meddling, or horseplay on or around the forklift are not permitted. 3.4 No one will be allowed to stand or walk under elevated forks. 3.5 Only assigned forklift shall be operated unless authorized. 4.0 OPERATING RULES 4.1 Before starting work, inspect the forklift thoroughly using the Hayward Campus Forklift Pre-Shift Inspection Checklist. 4.2 If the forklift is in need of repair, do not tamper with the mechanism or attempt to operate it, but report the condition immediately to your Supervisor. 4.3 Place a do not operate tag on forklift steering. 4.4 Filling of propane fuel containers by DOFM personnel is not authorized. Shipping and Receiving shall handle propane container refueling. 4.5 Change propane tank according to instructions in manufacturer s literature or as instructed in training class. 4.6 Never move the forklift on its own power without being in the driver s seat. Always shut off engine before leaving the forklift unattended. 4.7 Operate the forklift with care and only for the purpose intended. Before starting or backing, be sure others are in the clear. Revised: June 2006 Page 1 of 6
4.7 Pickup load squarely and pile load securely to avoid spillage due to turns, starts, or stops. Observe the load capacity and vertical clearance limits before all lifts are made. 4.8 Drive forklift downgrade with the load last and upgrade with the load first. On descending grades, keep the forklift under control so that it can be brought to an emergency stop in the clear space in front of the forklift. On all grades, tilt back the mast and raise the forks as far as necessary to clear the road surface. 4.9 Return forklift to Receiving at the end of each shift and/or task. 4.10 Be sure to turn propane supply off after shutting off ignition. 4.11 Return Forklift Pre-Shift Inspection Checklist to DOFM Safety. 5.0 TRAFFIC RULES 5.1 Operate under complete control at all times. Pedestrians are given the right of way at all times. 5.2 Always be prepared for any emergency. Expect the unexpected. Do not rely on the horn. Use the brake. 5.3 Our maximum speed limit is 10-15 miles per hour. Operate at a speed consistent with conditions (not to exceed established speed limit). 5.4 Maintain a safe distance approximately three truck lengths from the vehicle ahead. 5.5 Use your horn. Do not abuse it. Signal when approaching workers, intersecting aisles, blind corners, or swinging doors. 5.6 Slow down and sound horn at cross aisles and other locations where vision is obstructed. If load being carried obstructs forward view, the driver shall be required to travel with the load trailing. 5.7 Do not pass another truck traveling in the same direction particularly at intersections, blind spots, or other dangerous locations. 5.8 Keep to the right along aisleways and outside driveways. Keep out of the pedestrian lanes and safety zones. 5.9 Avoid quick starts, sudden stops, corner cutting, stunt driving and other unnecessary movement. 5.10 Maintain a safe following distance behind other vehicles or pedestrians in order to be able to stop in case of an emergency. 5.11 Do not park forklift at locations that would impede the free movement of other vehicles or personnel. 5.12 Report promptly to your supervisor all accidents to persons or property. 6.0 TRAINING All new operators will receive training. Experienced operators will be evaluated at least once every three years. Refresher training will be provided to ensure the operator has the knowledge and skills needed to operate the forklift. The training program contents will focus on Cal/OSHA, Title 8, Section 3668 requirement, this policy, the number and types of accidents, extent of economic losses, and operating habits of operators in this Revised: June 2006 Page 2 of 6
department. See Attachment A (Powered Industrial Truck Operator Training) for Cal/OSHA required training topics. 7.0 MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING Receiving is the primary custodian of the forklifts and responsible for maintenance and troubleshooting. Any equipment deficiencies shall be recorded on the Forklift Pre-Shift Inspection Checklist and immediately reported to Receiving. The equipment shall be tagged out, as appropriate. If tags are not readily available at Receiving, return to Stores for a tag. 8.0 RESPONSIBILITIES 8.1 Department Managers It is the responsibility of Department Managers to see that approved procedures are followed in their areas and that adequate resources are provided to ensure compliance with these requirements. 8.2 Division Supervisors It is the responsibility of the DOFM Supervisors to: 8.2.1 Ensure that any person designated to use forklifts is qualified via documented instruction on the proper use of this equipment. 8.2. 2 Ensure only trained employees operate forklifts. 8.2.3 Ensure that trained employees prior to equipment usage complete pre-shift inspection checklist. 8.2.4 Ensure that any equipment deficiencies are immediately reported to Receiving and that the equipment is immediately tagged out. 8.2.5 Ensure that equipment is received and returned in operable condition. If the equipment is not received in satisfactory condition it shall be immediately returned to Receiving for servicing to Rand reported Receiving and to the appropriate DOFM Supervisor or Manager. 8.2.6 Ensure that all trained employees follow Operating/Safety Instructions including Manufacturer s instructions and Cal OSHA requirements. Revised: June 2006 Page 3 of 6
8.3 Engineering Supervisor It is the responsibility of the Engineering Supervisor, or designee, to: 8.3.1 Become trained as a Forklift Instructor. 8.3.2 Train DOFM employees in the safe operation of Forklifts as per the Department s needs. 8.4 Safety and Emergency Programs Administrator It is the responsibility of the Safety and Emergency Programs Administrator to: 8.4.1 Ensure that training is scheduled every three years, or as required by Cal OSHA, for affected employees. 8.4.2 Ensure that training records are maintained and available. 8.4.3 Ensure that Forklift Pre-Inspection Checklists are maintained and available. 8.5 Employees It is the responsibility of Employees to: Know and comply with all applicable sections of this procedure including: 8.5.1 Performing pre-shift inspections and turning in completed forms to DOFM Safety. 8.5.2 Complying with Receiving s instructions for checking equipment in/out. 8.5.3 Attending training. 8.5.4 Reporting all equipment problems immediately to Receiving and to the Supervisor 8.5.5 Returning equipment in the same condition it is received. If the equipment is not received in satisfactory condition, it shall be reported PRIOR TO USE. 8.5.6 Secure surrounding area, as needed, for example use caution tape, cones, or ask for assistance from another employee. 9.0 Equipment List DOFM staff shall be trained and authorized to operate only the following Forklifts 1 TCM View Mast Fork FVG20 and 2 TCM FG25N2. Revised: June 2006 Page 4 of 6
ATTACHMENT A Powered Industrial Trucks Operator Training, Evaluation, Certification In accordance with Title 8, General Industry Safety Orders, Section 3668, Powered Industrial Truck Operator Training, the requirements for initial training, refresher training, evaluation and certification are outlined below. The types of powered industrial trucks utilized on Hayward and Contra Costa campus are: forklifts, aerial lifts, scissors lifts. Initial Training 1. Topics related to the Truck a. Operating instructions, warnings, and precautions for the type(s) of truck the operator will be authorized to operate. Refer to the manufacturer s instruction manual for the applicable powered industrial truck. b. Differences between the truck and an automobile. c. Truck controls and instrumentation: Where they are located? What they do? How they Work? d. Engine or motor operation. e. Steering and maneuvering. f. Visibility (including restrictions due to loading). g. Fork and attachment adaptation, operation, and use limitations. h. Vehicle capacity. i. Vehicle stability. j. Any vehicle inspection and maintenance that the operator will be required to perform. k. Refueling and/or charging and recharging of batteries. l. Operating limitations. m. Any other operating instructions, warnings, or precautions listed in the operator s manual for the type(s) of vehicle that the employee is being trained to operate. 2. Topics related to the Workplace a. Surface condition where the vehicle will be operated b. Composition of loads to be carried and load stability. c. Load manipulation, stacking, and unstacking. d. Pedestrian traffic in areas where the vehicle will be operated. e. Narrow aisles and other restricted places where the vehicle will be operated. f. Hazardous locations where the vehicle will be operated. g. Ramps and other sloped surfaces that could affect the vehicle s stability. h. Closed environments and other areas where insufficient ventilation or poor vehicle maintenance could cause a build-up of carbon monoxide or diesel exhaust. Revised: June 2006 Page 5 of 6
i. Other unique or potentially hazardous environmental conditions in the workplace that could affect safe operation. Refresher Training and Evaluation 1. It is required to provide refresher training to the operator when: a. The operator has been observed to operate the vehicle in an unsafe manner. b. The operator has been involved in an accident or near-miss incident. c. The operator has received an evaluation that reveals that the operator is not operating the truck safely. d. The operator is assigned to drive a different type of truck. e. A condition in the workplace changes in a manner that could affect safe operation of the truck. 2. An evaluation of each powered industrial truck operator s performance is required to be conducted at least once every three years. a. The initial training topics do not have to be duplicated for the evaluation of the operator if: The training was appropriate to the truck and working conditions encountered. The operator has been evaluated and found competent to operate the truck safely. Certification It is required to certify each operator as trained and evaluated. The certification requirement includes name of the operator, date of training, date of the evaluation, and identity of person(s) performing the training or evaluation. Revised: June 2006 Page 6 of 6