News from MLA Holding Australia's Largest Forklift Supplier

5 Tips on how to operate a forklift safely

Posted in News

nov sb
 
safety bulletin nov
 


Operating a forklift is an important job, and forklift operators take on a lot of responsibility when they get their forklift licence. Forklift trucks are certainly useful, but they also pose certain risks within the workplace. If they are used recklessly, or without following the correct procedures, it can lead to damage of property, and worse, injury or even death. That means, safety always must come first when getting behind the controls.


Operating a forklift is an important job, and forklift operators take on a lot of responsibility when they get their forklift licence. Forklift trucks are certainly useful, but they also pose certain risks within the workplace. If they are used recklessly, or without following the correct procedures, it can lead to damage of property, and worse, injury or even death. That means, safety always must come first when getting behind the controls.

Here, to give you a refresher, we will go through five things that all operators need to remember in order to be able to operate a forklift safely.

1. Never operate unlicensed
Having a forklift licence is essential before operating a forklift. During the process of obtaining a license, operators go through training that covers all the important safety information. The only courses that are valid for getting a forklift license are those run by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). These courses aren't just like taking a driving lesson – they teach you much more than how to manoeuvre the machine. You will also learn the relevant regulations that must be adhered to in any workplace where forklifts are used.

2. Wear your safety gear
Forklift operators are typically required to wear a hard hat, safety shoes, and high vis clothing at a minimum. You should never operate a forklift without putting these on first. Usually, employers will provide their employees with safety gear, but even if they don't, it is your responsibility to follow up and make sure these things are available to you. Also, make sure your safety gear fits well. Loose clothing items can get stuck in machinery, and loose hard hats aren't protecting anyone.

3. Check the forklift every day
When you start your shift for the day, it is important to thoroughly check the machine before starting operation. You need to make sure the forklift is working properly and is capable of achieving its max reach. Make sure you check covers for the brakes and steering, and that all components are functioning smoothly. It may seem like a burden to do this for every shift, but consider how much worse it will be if you have a malfunction mid-operation. If you notice anything, for example stiff controls, you need to have the machine booked in for repairs and service.

4. Follow speed restrictions
One of the most common causes of injury and damage while operating a forklift is speed. Every workplace has regulations around the maximum speeds a forklift can travel, and these should always be adhered to. Going over the speed limit not only endangers you, but those around you, and your employer's property. So don't risk it. Stick to the limits and don't rush, even if you are behind schedule, forklift safety is absolutely paramount.

5. Don't get complacent
Sometimes when operators have been driving a forklift for a long time, they get complacent and start to cut corners. It is always important to be vigilant when it comes to safety procedures. Keep a keen eye out for any obstacles in your path, avoid bumps and slip hazards, and always sound your horn when approaching an entrance or a blind spot. You also need to keep a safe stopping distance from all other forklifts, at all times. These are just a few of the many safety precautions that will be outlined in your employer's policies, and in your training.

Forklifts are not a toy. If you are getting behind the controls, just as when operating any vehicle or machine, you are taking your own and other's safety into your hands. You always need to follow these tips to ensure that no unnecessary damage or injury results from negligence.
 
MLA Holdings Pty Ltd can provide you with expert advice on forklift safety, as well as providing safety devices
and fleet management systems to enhance your forklift safety. Contact us on 1300 000 652 or visit www.mlaholdings.com.au. Information for this article was sourced from www.dailybulletin.com.au.
 
 

Always separate pedestrians from forklift traffic

Posted in News

mitsubishi safety zone 2020
 
october 2020
 
A simple traffic plan with separate driving and walking routes prevents collisions

 

On public roads we try to separate fast and slow traffic as much as possible, but this is not what we see in many warehouses. As a result, forklifts and pedestrians sometimes come into undesired contact. A well-considered traffic plan prevents fast and slow traffic from crossing each other’s paths.


Yellow and green lines

 
mitsubishi safety zone 2020
 
Separating traffic flows is important in the warehouse, just as it is on roads. With lines on the floor, we can create driving routes for forklifts and walkways for pedestrians. Make sure both forklift truck drivers and pedestrians can immediately see which path they should take. This can be achieved using a combination of symbols and different-coloured lines on the floor. Think yellow for train paths, green for footpaths. White lines are for marking storage locations on the floor and red is for locations with fire extinguishers or emergency doors that must always remain accessible.

Warehouses often have areas where many people work intensively at the same time, in an order picking operation for example. Consider marking out separate areas for value-added activities or for preparation of shipments. The people in these zones are mainly focused on their task, not on the traffic around them, so a simple line on the floor is insufficient to separate them from forklifts. You should therefore shield them with physical barriers such as gates, special traffic lights or audible warnings are also available for warehouses or production sites.

Pedestrian crossings
 
Of course, it is never entirely possible to avoid the need for pedestrians to cross a forklift route. To make this safer, create crosswalks in the form of pedestrian crossings. Symbols on the floor can be used to encourage forklift drivers to lower their speed.



The doorway from one hall to another can create a bottleneck. These are usually very busy locations, while views of traffic on the other side of the wall are often limited. It is advisable to make a door for pedestrians, separate to the opening for forklift traffic. Ideally, it should not be too close to the forklift opening, as pedestrians may be tempted to choose the easiest way.Use a fence to lead them to the door. Gates can also be useful to prevent people from entering the driveway directly when entering the warehouse.

Lead by example
 
The area immediately surrounding a forklift is one with a high risk of accidents. We can also mark out this safety zone – not with lines stuck on the floor but with visual aids. Take the Mitsubishi Safety Zone System, for instance. This consists of LED lamps that project clear red lines on the floor around the truck. These mark the minimum distance from the truck that employees must maintain in order to work safely.
Finally, make clear agreements about the use of traffic routes, walkways, crosswalks and entrances. Don't forget to make these agreements known to occasional visitors to the warehouse, like office workers, maintenance engineers or guests from outside. And last but not least, set a good example yourself. If managers don’t use the footpaths, why would other employees?

Have a question about how to separate pedestrians from forklifts or Mitsubishi’s Safety Zone System? Contact us on 1300 000 652 or www.mlaholdings.com.au. Information for this article was sourced from www.forkliftbriefing.com

3 Hazards of workplace forklift use

Posted in News


 safety halosep 2020   

Forklifts are an incredibly useful tool, but safety must come first.

 


Forklift operators and pedestrians have a shared responsibility when it comes to powered industrial truck safety in the workplace. There are a number of factors and issues to consider making sure that everyone is in on the safety loop.

Here are three of the more prominent hazards of forklift usage:
 
1. Blind Spots
The load being carried can create blind spots for the operator. The forklift is often operated in reverse to help the driver see the area, so the operator must be comfortable working the controls to drive in reverse. Pedestrians should always stay clear of the driver’s blind spots.
 
 
2. Load Stability
Trucks and their loads can become unstable when operating on inclines, on wet, oily surfaces, and on rough terrain. Trucks and loads also are less stable when making fast turns and when the load is in the raised position.
 
The weight and size of the load has an impact on the truck’s stability. Pedestrians must be aware of the increased instability of a truck with a raised load, and position themselves away from the area where a load could fall during pick-up or placement operations.
 
3. Speed
The forklift’s weight and speed combine as momentum. Because forklifts handle such heavy loads, it makes sense that forklifts are heavier than cars. A forklift operating at a slow speed can do as much damage as a car driving about 24 kilometres per hour.

Forklift drivers should obey speed limits, but pedestrians should also stay in designated pedestrian walkways. Trucks will slow down and sound the horn at intersections, but pedestrians must watch for forklift traffic. It’s a good practice for the pedestrian and the truck operator to make eye contact to help ensure the pedestrian is recognized and can cross safely.
 
MLA Holdings Pty Ltd can provide you with expert advice on forklift safety, as well as providing safety devices such as blue lights, red halo, rear grab and horn, cameras to enhance your forklift blind spot safety. MLA’s sales team can review your application to ensure your equipment is correctly rated to handle loads lifted at the load centres. Contact us today. Information from this article was sourced from www.bizjournals.com.

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Forklift Safety

Posted in News


 june 2010july 20

A forklift can be one of the most dangerous pieces of equipment in the workplace. Injuries occur when operating forklifts and when employees are interacting with them. About one quarter of forklift injuries are from getting on and off the forklift! Employers have safe work procedures, which employees must follow! These tips may protect your own and others’ safety.


 

 

june 2010

A forklift can be one of the most dangerous pieces of equipment in the workplace.  Injuries occur when operating forklifts and when employees are interacting with them. About one quarter of forklift injuries are from getting on and off the forklift! Employers have safe work procedures, which employees must follow! These tips may protect your own and others’ safety.

Training and Supervision: A person who operates a forklift must hold a high-risk work forklift licence.

Traffic Management 

  • Most forklift incidents involve pedestrians
  • Make sure there are clear, separate pathways for pedestrians and forklifts
  • High visibility work wear should be worn if walking outside of designated walkways 
  • Businesses should minimise blind spots and highlight intersections and restricted areas
  • If there is a right-of-way, make sure that everyone is aware of it
  • Be aware of other vehicles and people and give clear indications of your intentions to others
  • Look in the direction of travel and keep a clear view of the way ahead

Pre-start Safety Check: Before you operate a forklift, both the forklift and any attachments should be checked. Completing pre-start checks are mandatory and should be done at the beginning of each shift and every time you begin operating a different forklift

Forklift Safety Devices

  • Seatbelts and other restraint systems should be used
  • Sounding the horn when entering and exiting areas
  • All lighting is working – front, brake and flashing warning lights
  • Perimeter lighting – Pre warning for pedestrians

Operating a Forklift

  • Lower the fork arms to ground level; ensure the parking brake is set, and the controls are in neutral when leaving the forklift
  • Maintain three points of contact (hands and feet) when you get on and off
  • Only use the forklift for its intended purpose only
  • Obey speed limits and warning signs. Drive at speeds suitable to the road surfaces and traffic conditions
  • Wear safety glasses or goggles and work/ park in well-lit areas
  • Be aware of fumes and possible carbon monoxide poisoning when operating LPG-powered forklifts indoors
  • Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when slinging a load under the forks and using lifting straps
  • Avoid distracting behaviour - No mobile phone use or eating when operating a forklift

What can cause a forklift to tip over?

  • Excessive speed – especially while turning
  • Heavy braking
  • Overload or moving with elevated mast and load
  • Traveling down ramps with load forward and turning sideways on ramps
  • Smooth, slippery, and sloping surfaces
  • Forks striking and obstruction
  • Tight turns
  • Shifting or off-centre loads

MLA Holdings Pty Ltd can provide you with expert advice on forklift safety, as well as providing safety devices to enhance your forklift safety. Contact us today. Information from this article was sourced from www.kellyservices.com.au.

Download pdf here.


Pedestrian Forklifts

Posted in News

may 201may 20

Pedestrian operated forklifts (POFs) differ from forklift trucks because they are not intended to be controlled by an operator riding on the vehicle. While similar safe operating and maintenance procedures apply to all types of forklifts, the following control measures relate specifically to POFs.

 

may 201Pedestrian operated forklifts (POFs) differ from forklift trucks because they are not intended to be controlled by an operator riding on the vehicle. While similar safe operating and maintenance procedures apply to all pes of forklifts, the following control measures relate specifically to POFs.

 

A licence/certificate is not required to operate POFs.

How to operate POFs safely

  • Only trained operators may operate a POF.
  • Make pre-operational and post-operational safetychecks.
  • Ensure the POF is suitable for the grades intendedto be travelled.
  • Wear appropriate personal protective equipment,such as high visibility vest and steel cappedfootwear.
  • Do not operate a POF if hands or footwear are greasy.
  • Check the work area for damaged flooring, overhead obstructions, ramps and docks. Do not work tooclose to the edges of ramps or docks.
  • When travelling in reverse take care not to bump into objects, run over loose objects or trip overobjects. Do not use a POF in an unauthorised area or explosive atmospheres.
  • may202Keep arms, hands, legs and feet away from the lifting mechanism and wheels.
  • Sound the horn when approaching intersecting aisles or blind corners.
  • When operating a POF on grades, ramps or inclines, face the load uphill, do not make turns. If it isnecessary to park the POF on an incline, make sure the wheels are securely chocked.
  • Do not ride on the POF or allow another person to ride on it.
  • Do not exceed the safe lift limit of the POF when handling a load. These limits are specified on the data plate.
  • The forklift arm blades (tynes) should be a sufficient length to support at least 75% of the load (seefigure below).
  • The load should be stable and evenly distributed on both fork arms prior to lifting and when travelling.Fork arms should be sufficient distance apart to ensure the stability of the load.
  • When parking:
    • use the brake
    • lower forks to the ground
    • do not leave key in the ignition if unattended.
     

MLA Holdings Pty Ltd can provide you with expert advice on how to operate Pedestrian Operated Forklifts safely, as well as providing a wide range of high quality POF’s,Contact us today. Information from this article was sourced from www.worksafe.qld.gov.au

Download pdf here.

MLA has achieved Quality Management Certification

Posted in News

breaking news 1

MLA is recertified! MLA has achieved Quality Management Certification to the new ISO 9001-2015 standard! 


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