Pub 129 Safety Talks - APWU

Safety Talks 12-2Watch Out for Indoor TrafficPub. 129, October 1990You might be pretty good about obeying the rules for pedestrian safetywhen you’re out in street traffic, but what about when you’re at work?Nutting trucks, hampers, towveyors, powered industrial vehicles, andother load-moving devices are considered traffic, too--traffic that can bejust a hazardous as the kind you encounter on the street.That means you’ve got to obey rules for pedestrian safety wheneveryou’re in an area where industrial traffic is moving.What about those rules--are they the same inside as they are outside? Forthe most part, they are. But there are differences. That’s because somematerial handling equipment has different operating characteristics fromthose of regular street vehicles.First of all, the steering of most industrial powered vehicles is done withthe rear wheels, not the front. That means a forklift truck, for example,is going to turn and corner differently from a regular car or truck.You’ve got to be aware of things like that rear-end swing--and keepyourself safely out of the way.Forklift trucks are designed to carry and lift loads in front of them. Theycan create a special hazard around corners because you’re likely toencounter the load before you’re aware of the truck. You’ve also got tobe alert to the fact that the load itself swings, not just the truck.Handling a truck in tight places is tricky for the operator, who is notgoing to have much concentration to spare for pedestrians. Your safety ispretty much up to you,Never challenge a truck. You’ll lose. And don’t force a truck--especially aloaded one--to swerve to avoid you. That might cause the load to spill,and it could make the truck tip over.Being on foot gives you a lot more maneuverability than any truck. Youmight have the right-of-way, but you also have the responsibility to stayout of the way.Stay alert at corners and when you cross aisles. “Stop and look” is a goodrule inside the building as well as out of it.Trucks should stay on the right--and so should pedestrians.Even at your work place, you might have to get out of the way of atruck. If a truck is operating near you, be sure you’re well clear ofanything that could trap you if the operator makes a mistake. Don’t getcaught between a truck and a machine you’re operating, for example.Only trained and authorized people should operate industrial trucks. Ifyou’re not an operator, keep off. Industrial trucks are not designed tocarry passengers. Don’t try to hitch a ride, even if the operator is willing.