DOE-STD-1090-96, DOE Standard Hoisting and Rigging Manual ...

DOE-STD-I090-96 (Rev-I)10.5 OPERATIONThe following shall apply to all personnelinvolved in forklift operations. At the initial stageofthe planning process, an appointed personshallclassify each lift into one ofthe DOE-specifiedcategories (ordinary, critical, or preengineeredproduction).10.5.1 Conduct of Operatora. Do not engage in any practice that will divertyour attention while operating the forklift.b. Do not operate the forklift when you arephysically or mentally incapacitated.c. Keep the operating area free ofwater, snow,ice, oil, and debris that could cause your hands orfeet to slip from the controls.d. Give special consideration to the properfunctioning of tires, horn, lights, battery, brakes,steering mechanisms, and operating controls. Ifatany time a forklift needs repair, is defective or inany way unsafe, report the matter immediately tothe designated authority. The unit shall be takenout ofservice until it has been restored tosafe-operating condition or a determination hasbeen made by the cognizant manager that thedeficiency will not adversely affect the safeoperation ofthe unit.e. Ensure that rigging loads from the tines offorklift trucks is performed according tosite-specific direction.f. Forklift truck operators shall do thefollowing:1. Before operation ofelectricallypowered machines, check location ofthe batteryplug for quick disconnection in case ofa shortcircuit.2. Avoid sudden stops.3. Face in the direction of travel, exceptas follows:i. For better vision with large loads,operate the truck in reverse gear.ii.When ascending ordescendinggrades in excess of5 percent,drive loaded rider trucks with theload upgrade.iii. Operate unloaded trucks on allgrades with the load-engagingmeans downgrade.4. Stop and sound the horn at all blindcorners and intersections and when going throughdoorways.5. Operate at safe speeds: in-plantbuildings, 5 mph; in-plant roads, 15 mphmaximum.6. Go around curves slowly.7. Use low gear or slowest speed whendescending ramps.8. Do not allow riders onforklift trucksunless the truck is built with passenger seating.9. Know the weight ofthe load and donot exceed the rated capacity ofthe truck.10. Consider both truck and load weightwhen traveling in areas where there arefloor-loading requirements.11. Watch overhead clearance; ifindoubt, measure.12. Keep clear ofedges ofloading docks.13. Watch rear-end swing.14. Before handling them, ensure thatstacks and loads are stable; block and lash them ifnecessary.15. Always spread the forks to suit theload width.16. Lower and raise the load slowly;make smooth, gradual stops.17. Lift and lower loads only while thevehicle is stopped.18. Use special care when high-tiering;return the lift to a vertical position before loweringthe load.19. Lift, lower, and carry loads with theupright vertical or tilted back-never forward; onall grades, the load and load-engaging means shallbe tilted back.10-9Chapter 10Forklift Trucks