Attachments
Sometimes special attachments are installed onto the forks to extend the reach, clamp a barrel, act as a hoist, lift odd-shaped items (e.g., a roll of carpet), or even lift people.
Whenever an attachment is used that could affect the capacity or safe operation of a forklift, its use must be approved by the forklift manufacturer.
The employer must mark the forklift to show the new weight with attachment. The maximum capacity at the highest elevation must also be shown.
Designations
The hazards commonly associated with forklifts vary for different vehicle types, makes and models. All forklifts have a hazard designation assigned to them that tells whether they are suitable for use in certain kinds of hazardous atmospheres. You can find the designation on the forklift's load capacity plate. The table below explains the designations.
| Type | Built-in Safeguards Against Fire Hazards |
|---|---|
| D (Diesel forklift) | Minimum acceptable safeguards |
| DS | D + additional safeguards for fuel, exhaust and electrical systems |
| DY | DS + all electrical equipment enclosed plus temperature-limiting features |
| E (Electrical forklift) | Minimum acceptable safeguards |
| ES | E + safeguards to prevent sparks and limit surface temperatures |
| EE | ES + all electric motors and equipment are completely enclosed |
| EX | E,ES, or EE + can be used in flammable vapor or dust atmospheres |
| G (Gasoline forklift) | Minimum acceptable safeguards |
| GS | G + additional safeguards for fuel, exhaust and electrical systems |
| LP (Liquid Petroleum) | G + minimum safeguards for liquid petroleum gas |
| LPS | LP + additional safeguards for fuel, exhaust and electrical systems |
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-5. Where can you can find atmospheric hazard designations assigned to forklifts?
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