Safety and security standards and procedures are synonymous with OSHA. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is the leading federal authority for worker protection. Delving into every aspect of job safety, OSHA’s stated mission is: “to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.” The operator of a PIT (powered industrial truck) must stay up-to-date with all the OSHA standards for forklift safety.
Powered Industrial Truck Citations
OSHA lists powered industrial trucks (PIT) at number eight of the top ten most frequently cited standards failures following inspections of worksites. Citations are issued when violations to accepted standards and practices occur. OSHA believes “far too many preventable injuries and illnesses occur in the workplace.” It is not uncommon for citations and fines to be issued to companies for serious and/or repeat citations.
One such case occurred during an inspection of a foam products factory in Miami, Florida. Seven serious and two repeat safety citations were issued and the company was fined $72,000 in penalty fees as a result. It is alleged the company use unapproved propane-powered forklifts in an area that had the potential for a dust explosion or fire. The company was also cited for operating forklifts with non-working lights.
The citation procedure starts with an check up, once the citations are formally issued, OSHA gives a company 15 business days to solve the problems and show it is in compliance with OSHA standards. As is always the case with penalties and fees, an appeal process can be requested in which a conference with an area director can be scheduled or the findings can be contested before the independent OSHA Review Commission.
OSHA and ANSI
Working directly with OSHA is the American National Standard for Powered Trucks or ANSI. Its part outlining safety procedures centers on the testing of new powered trucks and forklifts. All new trucks must bear a label or marking indicating it meets ANSI design and construction requirements.
Safety and security Standards
Beyond the design and construction of forklift trucks are the safety standards themselves. OSHA demands compliance to the following standards in these forklift related categories:
Physical Conditions – Potential hazards such as slippery conditions, uneven surfaces and obstructions, floor loading limits, and overhead clearances are outlined in this section.
Pedestrian Traffic – Besides pedestrian traffic, moving personnel and maintaining correct distances are outlined. Yielding the right of way is one example of proper safety techniques.
Ramps and Grades – How to travel on ramps and grades and how to travel with or without a load are areas covered in this section.
Loading Docks – Falling from a loading dock while in a forklift can be fatal, therefore safety precautions are given to prevent such dangerous falls.
Narrow Aisles – Specific trucks used for narrow aisles are listed. (Reach trucks, order pickers) and safe stacking rules are highlighted.
Elevators – Hazards pertaining to overloading elevators, damaging floors, and insufficient overhead clearance. Also, space required once in the elevator along with a list of required practices when the elevator is in use is explained.
Enclosed Areas – Designated areas are assigned their own type of forklift. Operators must also beware of indoor air quality and carbon monoxide.
The Chain of Command
Knowing how the model works assists employers and employees keep the essential demands for a protected working atmosphere. The guidelines are enforced from the top down. OSHA is a part of the Department of Labor and its directory of offices is the following:
National Office
Regional and Area Offices
State Plan Offices
Consultant Program Offices
Via this multi-layered set-up come the Federal standards. Individual States follow through to the Federal standards and are asked for to have policies and practices at least as effective as Federal OSHA standards. (Another name for these procedures is Parallel State Plan Standards.) State procedures must be put into practice by organisations and guidance must be comprehended and integrated by employees.
OSHA and Forklift Essential safety
OSHA specifications with regard to forklift safety have accomplished a improvement in the lives of the various workforce it safeguards. Though it is true it doesn't usually apply strong command over every industry, it even now accomplishes its mission through a combination of Federal guidelines or OSHA-approved state plans. It thoroughly handles every factor of the warehouse industry like the design, maintenance, and operation of forklift trucks.
Author Resource:
Michael Dawgla blogs about various topics of forklift. Such as forklift certification , forklift training, forklift osha safety and some other job tips.
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