Seat Belt Usage

OSHA requires the employer to have a policy for the use of seat belts.

LPG Powered Forklifts

1. The locator pin in the LPG bracket must be kept intact.
2. When the operator has finished using the forklift, the LPG tank should be turned off.
   

Fork Wear

When the bottom or heal of a fork is worn down more than 10%, the fork is no longer considered safe and must be scrapped.

Back-Up Alarms, Strobe Lights, Flashing Lights

1. Industrial & Commercial Applications
   OSHA does not require the above items for industrial or commercial forklift usage. The employer should contact their insurance company to request a safety evaluation of their operation to determine what, if any, warning devices are necessary for their applications.
2. Construction Applications
   OSHA does require a back-up alarm for equipment used on a construction site.

Daily Battery Maintenance and Charging Requirements

1. Remove all hand and wrist jewelry before checking or watering a battery.
2. Wear proper eye and hand protective equipment while checking or watering batteries.
3. Add approved water only. Never add acid. BATTERIES SHOULD BE FILLED ONLY AT THE END OF THE CHARGING CYCLE.
4. Keep the electrolyte (acid and water mix) level above the separator protectors. IF THE ELECTROLYTE IS BELOW THE SEPARATOR PROTECTOR, ADD JUST ENOUGH WATER BEFORE CHARGING TO BARELY COVER THE SEPARATOR PROTECTOR.
5. Keep battery top clean and dry.
6. Keep flame and metal away from battery top.
7. Keep vent caps tightly in place.
8. Discharge battery to a maximum of 80% and do not operate below this level.
9. Cool battery before charging or operating if battery is above 115°F.
10. Use only a properly matched charger of correct voltage and current output.
11. Turn the machine off before disconnecting battery and do not plug the charger into the truck.
12. Keep battery compartment and battery cover open during charging.
13. Only charge batteries in a well ventilated area.
14. Turn the charger off before disconnecting the battery.
15. Do not opportunity charge a battery - i.e. Do not charge your battery during a break or lunch.
16. Use the equalize charge or weekend setting weekly when a 12-hour period is available for charging.

Proper battery maintenance protects the battery from premature failure and expensive replacement. When in doubt, contact your supervisor or call Thompson & Johnson.