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June
2006
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OSHA
Update - Powered Pallet Trucks
You have to train your forklift operators in a formal
classroom setting and hands-on training courses using
each style of forklift that your company owns. This
training does not exclude powered pallet trucks
or manual push high lift jacks; you need to train your
operators on these style trucks also.
OSHA regulation 1910.178 (L)(i) states that the employer
shall ensure that each powered industrial truck operator
is competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely,
as demonstrated by the successful completion of training
course. 1910.178(L)(ii) Training shall consist of a combination
of…
- Formal instruction (e.g. lecture, discussion, interactive
computer learning, videotape and written material),
- Practical training (demonstrations performed by
the trainer and practical exercises performed by the
trainee), and
- Evaluation of the operator’s performance in the
workplace.
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I am often amazed how many times we do powered industrial
truck training and when I get to a customer´s
location to train the operators on a sit-down or a narrow
aisle forklift, I see a powered pallet truck sitting
off to the side. I then ask the customer if he/she lets
his employees use that truck also. The most common response
is "all the time."
I then inform the customer that we also will have to
train the employees on that class of truck. The next
response is: "Really, I didn’t know we had to train
people to use that, it´s so simple to use."
The problem here is that it´s not how simple it
is to use, but are we using it safely.
What Is a Powered Pallet Truck?
A powered pallet truck can be a walk-along style or
ride-on style powered pallet truck. They use an industrial
battery to power the pallet truck down the aisle. Well,
the most popular ones lift palletized loads about 6-8
inches off the ground and transport loads from one spot
to another. You cannot stack loads with this type of
truck.
There are pallet trucks with a mast on the front that
can lift loads in the air, much like a sit-down or narrow
aisle stand-up forklift. This type of mast could also
have a reach mechanism on it with straddle outriggers
on them.
Another pallet type truck that is out there is a manual
push type stacker. There is no motor to propel the truck
down the aisle. It does, however, have a mast on the
front so you can lift loads in the air up to 6-10 feet
or more. Do we still have to train on this type of truck
even if it doesn´t have an electric motor to move
it around? The answer is yes! ASME B56-10-1992 states
that only authorized operators who have been properly
trained are permitted to operate a manually propelled
high lift industrial truck. Your employer must train
you and show that you are authorized to operate this
style of lift truck.
ASME is not OSHA. They have no authority to fine a
business. They are the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers, who determine basically how things should
be built to certain engineering standards. Another group
is ANSI, the American National Standard Institute. All
forklifts leave the factory meeting a set standard and
this can be seen on the forklift´s nameplate or
data tag. Keep in mind that OSHA mirrors ASME/ANSI standards;
in other words, if OSHA doesn´t have a law for
something, they will refer to ASME/ANSI, and if ASME/ANSI
requires training to be done as in the case for the
manual push high lift jack, then you could receive a
fine from OSHA under the General Duty Clause 5(A)(1)
of the OSHA act if you do not do the training.
| Some Safety Rules to Follow |
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If the pallet truck does not
have a platform on it so you can ride on the
truck, then you do not ride on a non-rider
pallet truck. If there is a decal on the pallet
truck that reads, "NO RIDING,"
then you do not sit or stand on that truck
because you do not feel like walking that
day. You only ride on a pallet truck that
has a platform on it to protect your feet. |
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Never hang your foot off the side of the
platform; horrible crushing injuries can result
from this. |
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With a walking style pallet truck, the majority
of times the truck will be trailing behind
you. You need to stand off to the side when
walking with these. Do NOT have the
truck directly behind you; it can catch your
foot or ankle and cause serious injury to
you. |
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Come to a complete stop with the unit before
you change directions. Many times I have observed
trainees change direction and they will get
in front of a moving pallet truck and then
reverse direction. There is a potential of
getting pinned against a fixed object, which
can cause serious injury or death. |
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Make sure the safety switch on top of your
handle is working properly. |
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Never put yourself in a position to where
the potential of an injury can occur. |
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Pre-shift or daily inspections are required
for powered pallet trucks. This allows an
operator to check their truck over before
it gets taken into service and to list any
problems with the truck. If a problem exists,
remove the key or follow your lockout/tagout
procedures, then report the problem to a supervisor
immediately. Do not work on any powered industrial
trucks unless you are trained and authorized. |
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If your pallet truck has a mast on it, then
remember that all forklifts with a mast on
them are very unstable when lifting loads
in the air. Avoid high load turns; make sure
your loads are stable. Remember, the operator
is responsible for the loads they carry, even
if they did not stack the pallet. If load
is unstable, then re-stack it, wrap it, or
band it. |
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Watch for overhead objects when lifting.
Only lift when you are in front of a rack
or stack. Never travel any distances with
your mast in the air. Know where your outriggers
are if your pallet truck is equipped with
them. You could bump a rack or another pallet
with them. |
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If the truck is trailing behind you, keep
in mind that you have about 6 feet of truck
behind you. Before you exit an aisle, don´t
turn too soon. Be sure to give the trailing
pallet truck enough clearance so that you
don’t hit the racks. |
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Always obey all warning decals on the truck
and make sure they are always in legible condition. |
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There are many more safety rules to follow
when using powered pallet jacks. Always read
the operator´s manual of the truck that
you are operating; it is the best source of
factory information you can have. |
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Employers and operators, please do not treat
powered pallet trucks lightly; this style
of forklift can injure you. Remember employers,
if you own even one powered pallet truck or
a high lift manual push jack, then you must
train your operators. |
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For information and pricing regarding our forklift
training courses, please contact Dave Bennett @ 315-437-2881
x 4146.
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Mast
Lubrication Guidelines
Class I, IV & V Product with Masts
Masts used on various models of lift trucks can
experience some flaking of paint or metal of the
hot rolled mast channels during break-in of the
contact area of the mast and roller. This is normal.
To minimize the possibility of loose particles
falling, it is recommended that a light coat of
heavy-duty grease be applied to all tracking areas
of the carriage and mast rollers. While the lube
does not prevent flaking, it will help to trap
the particles to minimize their falling down.
Masts are not lubed prior to shipping to prevent
them from being contaminated with dirt and other
debris during transit.
When applying the grease (multi-purpose), make
sure the surfaces are clean and dry and free of
any loose debris. Do not use steam or pressure
washing to clean the areas to be lubed, as these
processes can contaminate chains and rollers and
reduce their internal lubrication. When using
chemical cleaners, please follow the manufacturer´s
recommendation for the safe use and disposal of
their product. Do not apply excessive amounts
of grease. The rollers should still roll, not
slide after the channel has been lubed.
To properly access all areas of the rail, it
will be necessary to extend the mast channels
and carriage. Please observe safe blocking and
securing of the mast to prevent injury. Please
refer to the appropriate repair manual for guidelines
on safe blocking of the mast.
Periodically, the lube should be removed and
reapplied when it becomes contaminated with flakes
or other debris. After removal of the lube, the
tracking areas should be wire brushed to remove
ridges and partially loosened scale.
The illustrations below are with an FSV mast.
However the guidelines apply to all mast types
such as V, FV, FSV or QFV.
Note: Some applications with airborne abrasive
particles should not have the mast rails lubed
as this will only trap material that will accelerate
the wear and tear of the mast. Examples of these
applications are foundries, masonry products,
abrasive manufacturing, etc.
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Toyota
Marks Milestone
Toyota Material Handling marked the production of its
250,000th lift truck this week at their manufacturing
facility in Columbus, Indiana.
Toyota´s first lift truck rolled off the line
at the factory in 1990. Since then, the plant has grown
six-fold from its initial employment to nearly 800 associates,
increased production more than ten-fold and tripled
in physical size, enabling Toyota to continue to secure
its position as the leading domestic forklift manufacturer.
Train-the-Trainer Class Schedule
Thompson and Johnson will continue to offer our popular
"Train-the-Trainer" course this month on June
20 in our Albany branch, and June 26 in our
Syracuse facility. Please contact Dave Bennett directly
for additional information or to schedule a session. Dave
may be reached at extension 4146 or at dbennett@thompsomandjohnson.com. |
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Toyota Material Handling recently announced the introduction
of the new, state-of-the-art, 7-Series Walkie Stackers.
These adjustable base leg stackers are ergonomically
advanced and are ideally suited for the varying pedestrian
applications found in many manufacturing environments
and retail store operations.
These highly competitive products are available in
up to 2500 lb. capacity models, with lifting heights
as high as 143 inches.
Please contact your local Thompson and Johnson representative
for additional information on these versatile, highly
maneuverable and cost-effective material handling solutions.
SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY LEASE RATES
STARTING AT $139/MONTH!
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