Hazard Categories
The following hazard categories are adapted from Product Safety Management and Engineering, by Willie Hammer. We have given examples of each type of hazard associated with forklift operations.
1. Mechanical Hazards: These include issues related to moving parts, sharp edges, and other components that can cause injury through physical contact.
- Pinch points where operators or workers can get their hands or fingers caught, especially when the forklift is maneuvering or lifting loads.
- Tip-over risks due to improper load handling, leading to potential crushing injuries.
2. Electrical Hazards: This covers risks from electrical shock, electrocution, and fire hazards due to electrical malfunction.
- Electric forklifts can pose a risk of electric shock during charging or maintenance if not handled properly.
- Electrical systems failure, leading to loss of control or malfunction of the forklift.
3. Thermal Hazards: These are hazards related to extreme temperatures, both high and low, that can cause burns, frostbite, or fires.
- Engine overheating in internal combustion forklifts, which can burn operators or nearby workers.
- Hot surfaces on the forklift engine or exhaust systems that can cause burns upon contact.
4. Noise Hazards: This refers to risks from exposure to high levels of sound, which can lead to hearing loss or other auditory damage.
- The engine or operational noise of the forklift, which can be harmful over prolonged exposure.
- Beeping sound of the forklift in reverse, which could be excessively loud and cause hearing issues over time.
5. Radiation Hazards: This includes risks from exposure to various types of radiation, including ultraviolet, infrared, microwave, and ionizing radiation.
- Prolonged exposure to sunlight for outdoor operations, leading to UV radiation risks.
- Infrared radiation from engine heat, especially in confined spaces.
6. Chemical Hazards: These hazards are associated with exposure to harmful chemicals, which can cause a range of health issues, from skin irritation to more severe systemic effects.
- Exposure to battery acid in electric forklifts, which can be harmful if touched or inhaled.
- Emission of fumes from diesel or gas-powered forklifts, which can be toxic.
7. Biological Hazards: This refers to risks from exposure to harmful biological agents, such as bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
- Exposure to mold or bacteria in warehouses, especially in damp or poorly ventilated areas.
- Handling loads that may be contaminated with biological agents.
8. Ergonomic Hazards: These are hazards related to the design of products that can lead to strain or injury, particularly from repetitive motions or poor ergonomic design.
- Prolonged sitting without proper back support, leading to lower back pain.
- Repetitive strain injuries from constant steering or operating controls.
9. Psychological Hazards: This includes risks related to stress, mental strain, or other psychological impacts of product use.
- Stress from operating in high-traffic or fast-paced environments.
- Fatigue from long shifts, leading to decreased concentration and increased risk of accidents.
10. Explosion Hazards: Risks from explosions, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including chemical reactions, pressure build-up, or electrical sparks.
- Risk of battery explosion in electric forklifts due to overcharging or short-circuiting.
- Explosion hazards from the fuel system in gas-powered forklifts, especially in the event of a leak and an ignition source.
11. Fire Hazards: These include risks related to the ignition and spread of fire, which can be due to a variety of causes, such as electrical faults or flammable materials.
- Fire risks from flammable material spills being ignited by the forklift.
- Overheating of the forklift engine or electrical system leading to fires.
12. High-Pressure Hazards: This covers risks associated with high-pressure systems, which can include explosions or the release of high-pressure gases or liquids.
- Hydraulic system failure, leading to sudden release of high-pressure fluid.
- Tire blowouts due to over-pressurization, especially in solid tires.
13. Environmental Hazards: These are hazards that impact the environment, including pollution, waste, and other forms of environmental damage.
- Air pollution from diesel or gas-powered forklift emissions.
- Spills of hydraulic fluid or battery acid, leading to soil and water contamination.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
5-2. What type of hazard might cause a forklift tip-over malfunction?
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