Forklift Training, Aerial Lift & Scissor Lift Training at your place of business in Florida
Business Hours:
Monday thru Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM EST
Tel: 888.347.8573
Forklift Classification
Powered industrial trucks, commonly called forklifts or lift trucks, are used in many industries, primarily to move materials. They can be used to move, raise, lower, or remove large objects or a number of smaller objects on pallets or in boxes, crates, or other containers.
There is a wide range of equipment, each designed for specific industries and use. Manufacturers classify powered industrial trucks according to each truck’s individual characteristics. There are seven different classifications of powered industrial trucks. You must get your operators trained for each classification of forklift that your employees use.
The hazards commonly associated with powered industrial trucks vary depending on the vehicle type and the workplace where the truck is used. Each type of truck presents different operating hazards. For example, a sit-down, counterbalanced high lift rider truck is more likely than a motorized hand truck to be involved in a falling load accident, because the sit-down rider truck can lift a load much higher than a hand truck. Workplace conditions also present different hazards. For example, retail establishments often face greater challenges than other worksites in maintaining pedestrian safety.
The best way to protect employees from injury also depends on the type of truck operated and the worksite where it is being used. It is up to you to analyze your specific business and provide the correct type of forklift to use. For example; we sometimes go to company’s and find that they are using propane trucks around fresh produce. I don’t know about you but I don’t want the carbon monoxide settling on my fruits and veggies.
Do you keep your bay doors open? If your warehouse keeps them closed and your facility is air conditioned, you might want to think about an electric lift truck. If you have a racking system and narrow aisles and your sit-down can’t turn, you need a reach truck or order picker.
OSHA gets upset when you have propane trucks working in atmospheres with combustible dust.
Lets face it, forklifts are expensive, make sure that you prevent damage to them by getting the right truck for your business. Do your daily inspections and get your machine serviced. When you get them serviced before you sign off on it, look to see if the work has actually been done.