Traffic Patterns
The first step to prevent forklift accidents in a facility is to establish a traffic pattern. This is management's responsibility.
Establishing a traffic pattern is the first step in preventing forklift accidents in a
facility.
Management must ensure the following:
- Aisles are well-lit and free from obstructions.
- Floors are sound and in good shape. Wet, oily or icy surfaces should be avoided.
- Aisles are marked clearly. When they are wide enough for two trucks to pass each other, the center of the aisle and the two extreme edges should be marked with painted lines.
- Do not allow for two trucks to run side by side in the same direction.
- A truck must never pass another truck at an intersection, blind spot or other dangerous location.
- Speed limits are set and strictly enforced.
- Prominently display stop signs or signs painted or set on floors at all crossings.
- A required four-way stop at every intersection is recommended to avoid collisions.
Workplace Conditions
Workplace surface and overhead conditions are an important part of safe lift truck operation.
Ensure the workplace conditions are uncluttered and clean.
Operating surfaces should be able to support the forklift, its load and its operator. They must be free of holes, grease, oil or obstructions that could cause the lift truck to skid, bounce, and/or possibly tip over.
Workplace surface and overhead conditions and factors to consider when traveling include:
- Slippery Conditions: There is a danger of skidding when traveling on oil, grease, water, ice, mud, gravel, and uneven areas.
- Obstructions: There is a danger of tip over when traveling over obstructions, holes and bumps.
- Floor Loading Limits: There is a danger of the floor collapsing if it's unable to support the weight of the forklift, load, and operator.
- Overhead Clearance: There is a chance of damage to lights, stacks, doors, sprinklers and pipes.
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3-9. What is the first step in preventing forklift accidents in the workplace?
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