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622 Forklift Competent Person
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Housekeeping

Develop a model for good housekeeping. Develop specific procedures for storing tools and material in the proper location.

Uncluttered and well-marked aisles should be considered for proper housekeeping.

Items to consider for proper housekeeping include:

  • uncluttered and well-marked aisles,
  • a corner mirror for traffic safety at the intersection, and
  • adequate lighting.

Other standard precautions, which management should consider, include guardrails or flashing lights in front of doors that open into aisles; curbs around docks, pits or drop areas; and mirrors at intersections.

Carbon Monoxide

Internal combustion engines produce carbon monoxide that is odorless and causes a decrease in the ability of blood to carry oxygen.

Two employees exposed to carbon monoxide during workplace fire.
Once inhaled, carbon monoxide decreases the ability of the blood to carry oxygen to the brain and other vital organs.

This gas can rapidly build up in any indoor area. Once inhaled, carbon monoxide decreases the ability of the blood to carry oxygen to the brain and other vital organs. Even low levels of carbon monoxide can set off chest pains and heart attacks in people with coronary artery disease.

The OSHA standard (29 CFR 1910.1000) states that exposure to carbon monoxide can average no more than 50 ppm during an 8-hour work shift. Gasoline powered forklifts should not be used indoors. Propane forklifts also produce carbon monoxide and must be regularly inspected and maintained.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

3-10. What odorless gas produced by gasoline forklifts decreases the ability of blood to carry oxygen?