It would appear Forkliftaction.com members want materials handling safety regulators to act now to clear up the confusion surrounding the use of forklift parking and service brakes.
The Forkliftaction.com Discussion Forums have hosted an interesting and active debate on this topic in recent weeks.
The debate (click here to read it) was sparked by a forum participant, vic_k, who noted that UK companies were now insisting their forklift operators be properly trained and licensed.
However, his contention was that many trainers were teaching methods that immediately became impractical - and therefore were disregarded - in the workplace.
Specifically, vic_k refers to trainers teaching operators to always apply the parking brake before initiating any load movement, a practice that, according to wayne_c, another forum participant, is "socially and technically irresponsible".
"The acid test is that in the real world, no-one drives as they are taught. It cannot be enforced because it is nonsensical," vic_k said.
"It is high time that training authorities wake up, smell the roses and modify their practice such that the correct way is to apply the service brake, which holds the truck safe when making all hydraulic movements."
Wayne_c goes on to explain: "... The vehicle is designed to do several functions at once. The operator raises his forks at the same time as he is moving forward. When he achieves his height, he enters the pallet. At that point he lifts, tilts and engages the reverse control. He then looks behind, looks ahead, backing until clear, lowers the load and continues moving in reverse. The vehicle only stops momentarily as he secures his load. This is pallet handling at its norm."
If the concerns raised by forum participants are founded, it may be time for forklift safety regulators to agree on a single standard.
While Forkliftaction.com News has reported recently the positive initiatives being put into play by international organisations (click here to read the latest in this excellent series), when a situation arises where operators are actually disregarding their training instructions, this is a very real problem that needs to be urgently addressed.
Importantly, debate on this particular topic has been stimulated by Forliftaction.com's Discussion Forums and is a prime example of how the forums provide an open arena for all industry players to express their views on a wide range of significant issues.
Keep your thoughts and opinions rolling in!
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