OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.178(e)(2) requires that if a load can fall back onto the operator; the employer must equip the forklift with
a vertical load backrest extension
. As long as the forklift’s load does not present a hazard to the operator, the forklift is not required to be equipped with a backrest extension.
What does the load backrest do on a forklift?
Load backrests play an important role in keeping your drivers safe. They
prevent your forklift’s load from falling toward the driver
. It features a steel grid above the forks and attaches to the sides of the forklift carriage with heavy-duty, steel framing.
Should a load be strapped to a forklift?
All loads should be made stable
by either interlocking the objects, or strapping or shrink-wrapping the load, to prevent individual objects from falling off the pallet. Long loads, such as carpet rolls, reduce the stability of a lift truck. Long, wide, or high loads require more room, so watch the clearance.
When should a truck be equipped with a load backrest?
Safety Guards: If the type of load presents a hazard, the user shall equip fork trucks
Can a forklift tip without a load?
Forklift Safety Rule Two:
Don’t tip over
. Many untrained operators assume that they can drive faster without a load, but look at the location of the CG with unloaded forks. … On the other hand a loaded forklift is more likely to tip forward with the CG now closer to the front axle.
What is the correct fork spacing when picking up a load?
Insert the fork all the way under the load (use forks that are at least two-thirds of the load length). Adjust the fork as wide as possible to fit the load and to provide a more even distribution of weight.
Space the fork evenly from the centre stringer of the pallet
to balance the load.
What steps should you do every time you park a forklift?
Lower the forks to the floor when parking
the forklift. Make sure that the forks touch the ground when you are leaving. Apply the parking brake when it is the idle position. All operational controls of the truck must be in the neutral position before the driver alight the forklift compartment.
How is load backrest measured?
How to measure: Measure the width of your back rest (A) and the height of your back rest (B).
B + B + A = total length needed
. Order by total length needed, give us the width measurement (A) and the type of material your backrest is made of; i.e., 3′′ x 5/8′′ flat stock, 2′′ x 2′′ tube steel, etc.
What is the load backrest connected to?
The backrest extension performs the useful function of keeping large loads stable. It
attaches to the front
and makes it so that loads stay in place and don’t fall forward toward the operator. It can either be bolted on or slid on when attaching it to the forklift.
What max speed does OSHA recommend for forklifts?
The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) recommends a max speed of
8 mph in general
and a 3 mph max speed in areas where pedestrians are present.
Can a forklift tip over backwards?
A forklift that turns a corner while driving up a ramp could shift the center of gravity
too far backward and to the side
, causing a tip over; A forklift moving forward with a capacity load could tip forward if forced to stop abruptly; or.
Where can you not park a forklift?
Post ‘No Parking’ Signs: Parked forklifts should not be blocking pedestrian routes, fire lanes, doorways, or access to first aid stations and eyewash stations. Additionally, forklifts should not be parked too close to refueling areas or
anywhere near a source of heat/open flames
.
What should a forklift driver do if the forklift begins to tip over?
- Stay in your seat and do not attempt to jump off.
- Lean away from the falling direction of the lift.
- Hold onto the steering wheel and make sure you’re stable.
What is the correct position when picking up a load?
This helps keep your upper back straight while having a slight arch in your lower back. Slowly lift by straightening your hips and knees (not your back). Keep your back straight, and don’t twist as you lift. Hold the load as close to your body as possible, at the level of your belly button.
What will make the load more stable during travel?
When traveling with a load, always make sure
to tilt the mast of the forklift backward
so that the load will firmly place against the backrest to make it more secure during transport. By doing this, you move the center of gravity towards to rear of the forklift making it more secure when traveling.
What is the load center on a forklift?
According to OSHA, “The load center is
the distance from the face of the forks to the load’s center of gravity
.” It is important for operators and managers to understand the forklift load’s center of gravity in order to operate and transport loads safely in their operations.
