16 A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO DC VELOCITY
NATIONAL FORKLIFT
SAFETY DAY
around forklifts.
; Buckle up. Overturned forklifts are a leading causeof forklift-related injuries and fatalities. By bucklingup while in a sit-down forklift, operators can savethemselves from getting crushed by the machine’soverhead guard or roll cage in the event of an accident.
; Don’t surpass a forklift’s weight capacity. Bykeeping loads within the weight capacity, operatorscan reduce the risk of tipping the machine.
; Operate at a safe speed, use the horn whenneeded, and use caution on grades or ramps. Forkliftoperators should sound their horn in locations wherevision is obstructed to help alert pedestrians or otheroperators and avoid collisions. Operators should alsotake corners and turns slowly to minimize the risk oftipping.
; When finished operating, park safely. Set the parkingbrake, lower the forks, and set the controls to neutral.Safely parked machines reduce the risk of unintendedmovement when a forklift is left unattended. If thevehicle is parked on an incline, employees can furthersecure the forklift with wheel blocks.
More than 90% of Class 4 and 5 forklift operatorsare using propane forklifts, according to data from thePropane Education & Research Council, making thefollowing propane-specific safety tips important for awide range of facilities.
Q: WHAT SAFETY MEASURES SHOULD EMPLOYEESREMEMBER EVERY TIME THEY OPERATE PROPANE-POWERED EQUIPMENT?
; Inspect propane cylinders prior to operation. Checkcylinders for rust, dents, gouges, and leaks. Cylindersthat show signs of wear or leaks shouldn’t be used andmay need to be replaced, even if they’re within thecylinder’s requalification date.
; Ensure the pressure-relief valve on the propanecylinder is secure and points away from the locatingpin. Operators should check that the pressure-reliefvalve fitting is roughly 180 degrees from the forklift’slocating pin.
; Close the service valves on cylinders when not inuse. This helps prevent potential injury around internalcombustion engines and unintended fuel loss.
; Store propane cylinders in a secure rack or cage.
These are generally located away from exits, stairways,
entryways, and high-traffic areas. The cylinders can
be stored horizontally with the pressure-relief valves
in the uppermost position. Operators should use
proper lifting techniques when removing cylinders
from storage and placing them onto a forklift.
Q: WHAT ROLE DOES A LOCAL PROPANE SUPPLIERPLAY IN FORKLIFT SAFETY?
The propane industry has dedicated procedures tosupport the safety of businesses that operate withpropane, including local propane suppliers. Localsuppliers can help customers with:
; Cylinders: Propane suppliers inspect cylinderseach time they’re exchanged and remove damagedcylinders from service. They can also repair andreplace worn valves and O-rings on the cylindersas needed and help identify the most convenientlocation for cylinder cages so they don’t interfere withworkflows.
; Refueling: A propane supplier’s priority is makingsure crews understand how to properly and safelyinstall propane cylinders on their forklifts. Businessescan also opt for a cylinder-exchange program, wheretheir propane supplier conveniently refills the cylindersfor them.
; Training: Some propane suppliers offer additionalsafety training opportunities for forklift customers.
To learn more about propane forklift safety, visitPropane.com/SafetyFirst. ;
Jeremy Wishart is director of off-road business development for the Propane Education & Research Council. Hecan be reached at jeremy.wishart@propane.com.
