Updated every 10 minutes of every day en-au Copyright: (C) Reed Business Information http://ferret.com.au http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Australian-Forklift-Training/Australian-Forklift-Training-discuss-correct-procedures-for-handling-forklift-loads-n818610 According to Australian Forklift Training, carrying loads properly is an important yet overlooked part of safe forklift driving. There are several rules that are broken by forklift operators. For instance, forklift operators carry short pallets sitting on the end of the forks, drive and reach forklifts around with the mast extended forward and carry uneven loads with heavy end away from the back of the fork arms. Mon, 8 Dec 2008 10:00:00 GMT http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Australian-Forklift-Training/Australian-Forklift-Training-stress-the-importance-of-correct-forklift-parking-rules-n818608 When forklift operators get their licenses, they are usually taught to follow and adhere to basic rules for correctly parking a forklift. Australian Forklift Training observe that these basics are slowly forgotten and it is common to see forklift operators leaving their forklifts in inappropriate places. Fri, 5 Dec 2008 10:00:00 GMT http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Australian-Forklift-Training/Australian-Forklift-Training-warn-on-the-dangers-of-the-rear-end-swing-of-forklifts-n818607 Rear End Swing’ as WorkCover refer to it, is responsible for a majority of damage caused to racking, products and machinery. In the current forklift theory test, one of the questions that applicants must answer correctly to get their licenses is: Why is “rear end” swing dangerous on forklift trucks fitted with rear end steering? Thu, 4 Dec 2008 10:00:00 GMT http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Australian-Forklift-Training/Australian-Forklift-Training-highlight-common-causes-for-forklifts-tipping-over-sideways-n818605 According to Australian Forklift Training, most sit down (counter balance) type forklifts have a narrow wheel base and can easily be tipped over sideways. Several forklift operators have no idea how close their bad driving habits bring them to tipping the forklift over. A number of accidents where forklifts roll over are caused by forklift drivers trying to turn the forklift a little faster than they usually do. Wed, 3 Dec 2008 10:00:00 GMT http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Australian-Forklift-Training/Australian-Forklift-Training-suggest-cross-stacking-of-bagged-goods-on-pallets-n818604 Australian Forklift Training note that in the current forklift theory test, one of the questions that applicants are expected to know is the question of ‘How should bagged goods be transported and stored?’ The answer according to WorkCover is ‘Bagged goods should be transported and stored on pallets. Bags should be cross stacked and stepped (pyramid shaped) above 1.5 metres’. Tue, 2 Dec 2008 10:00:00 GMT http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Australian-Forklift-Training/Australian-Forklift-Training-focus-on-the-common-causes-for-forklifts-tipping-over-forward-n818602 Australian Forklift Training observe that when a forklift tips forward, the back wheels keep lifting off the ground until either the forks hit the ground or the load falls off. The higher that the forks are off the ground, the further the forklift will tip until it comes to a sudden stop. If it tips forward and the load falls off, the back wheel will come crashing back down to the ground. Mon, 1 Dec 2008 10:00:00 GMT http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Australian-Forklift-Training/Australian-Forklift-Training-discuss-standard-procedures-for-forklift-operators-n818592 According to Australian Forklift Training, the standard procedure that forklift operators should follow when a fault is noticed with a forklift is to remove the ignition key, put an out of order sign or tag on it, and report the fault to the supervisor. Fri, 28 Nov 2008 10:00:00 GMT http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Australian-Forklift-Training/WorkSafe-Victoria-Pedestrian-Safety-Plan-available-from-Australian-Forklift-Training-n818537 Australian Forklift Training refer safety measures on pedestrian safety from WorkSafe Victoria and gives a good 8 step plan for keeping pedestrians safe on the worksite. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 10:00:00 GMT http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Australian-Forklift-Training/Australian-Forklift-Training-offer-safety-measures-to-operators-travelling-with-large-loads-n818535 Australian Forklift Training advise forklift operators to travel in reverse, if they have any large load that obscures their vision. The safest way to travel with a forklift is always the way in which the operator has the clearest vision. Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:00:00 GMT http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Australian-Forklift-Training/Australian-Forklift-Training-discuss-safety-measures-on-parking-forklifts-on-an-inclined-surface-n818532 According to Australian Forklift Training operators should always try and park their forklift on a flat surface. The parking brakes on most forklifts are only designed to prevent the forklift from moving on either a flat surface or a very slight incline. Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:00:00 GMT http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Australian-Forklift-Training/Australian-Forklift-Training-discuss-safety-measures-for-fitting-LP-gas-bottles-to-forklifts-n818526 According to Australian Forklift Training most operators are not aware of the correct way to fit an LP gas bottle to a forklift. When properly fitted, the bottle should be positioned so that the breather or safety relief valve is directly at the top, in the highest position possible. Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:00:00 GMT http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Australian-Forklift-Training/Australian-Forklift-Training-advise-against-operators-carrying-passengers-on-forklift-n818521 Standard forklifts are only designed to carry one operator at a time. Their safety guards and seating only protect the person sitting in the seat. Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:00:00 GMT http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Australian-Forklift-Training/Australian-Forklift-Training-discuss-Forklift-Rollover-Safety-Measures-n818520 An advisory notice from Australian Standards shows operators what to do in case of a rollover. Australian Forklift Training recommend the user to print it out and put it up on notice boards around the warehouse. Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:00:00 GMT http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Australian-Forklift-Training/Australian-Forklift-Training-discuss-physical-limitations-of-forklift-operators-n818472 According to Australian Forklift Training, a number of people do not have enough range of movement in their necks to look over both shoulders. Being overweight, old age, previous accidents and injuries are some of the factors that cause this physical limitation. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:00:00 GMT http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Australian-Forklift-Training/Training-manuals-for-prospective-forklift-drivers-available-from-Australian-Forklifts-n818098 According to WorkCover, people cannot start driving forklifts until they are 17 years of age or hold a Certificate of Competency until they reach 18 years. According to Australian Forklift Training, young people can start to drive forklifts under the direct supervision of someone with a license once they turn 17. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:00:00 GMT http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Australian-Forklift-Training/Australian-Forklift-Training-stress-importance-of-refresher-training-for-forklift-drivers-n818097 Australian Forklift Training offer their comments on when a forklift driver requires refresher training. According to the WorkCover website, it is the duty of the forklift employer to ensure that the employees are provided with the information, instruction, training and supervision that may be necessary to ensure the health and safety of employees at work. (Refer to OHS Act 2000). Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:00:00 GMT http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Australian-Forklift-Training/Australian-Forklift-Training-discuss-right-of-way-for-forklifts-and-pedestrians-n818095 Australian Forklift Training share their views on the question of who has right of way when it comes to forklifts. Pedestrians always have right of way over forklifts. Forklift companies should allocate set walkways and systems to teach pedestrians where they should and should not walk. Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:00:00 GMT http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Australian-Forklift-Training/Australian-Forklift-Training-recommend-forklift-companies-to-allocate-parking-areas-n818094 Australian Forklift Training observe that it is important for each forklift company to allocate set areas for parking forklifts, so that forklift operators know exactly where they should and should not leave their machines. Parking areas should be clear of walkways, doorways, first aid stations, fire fighting equipment, sloping surfaces, emergency exits, where it is obstructing other traffic or less than two meters from any railway track. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:00:00 GMT http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Australian-Forklift-Training/Australian-Forklift-Training-discuss-views-on-fitting-of-reversing-beepers-or-lights-to-forklifts-n818093 Australian Forklift Training discuss whether forklifts require reversing beepers or lights. According to WorkCover’s website, the answer is ‘No’. However, if these warning devices are fitted to the forklift, the employer must maintain them. If a risk assessment at the workplace identifies that reversing forklifts are a potential risk, the appropriate control measure may be to fit lights and reversing beepers. Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:00:00 GMT http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Australian-Forklift-Training/Australian-Forklift-Training-discuss-guidelines-on-regular-forklift-servicing-schedule-n818077 According to Australian Forklift Training, there is no clear cut law that outlines how regularly servicing is to be done for forklifts. It is up to forklift operators and forklift companies to arrange for a maintenance and inspection schedule that is regular enough to keep forklifts in a safe working condition. Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:00:00 GMT http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Australian-Forklift-Training/Australian-Forklift-Training-discuss-the-maximum-speed-that-forklifts-are-allowed-to-travel-n818075 Australian Forklift Training discuss on the maximum speed that forklifts are allowed to travel. The acceptable speed is defined as a slow, safe speed that takes into consideration the ground conditions, the environment, traffic, employees and general public who may enter the work area. Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:00:00 GMT