Would it be possible for this company to assign a key to the operator and have him sign a form stating if he leaves for whatever reason that he has to return the key or a picture of the key will be on his last check? I am sure the management could make this happen if they new how much it was going to cost them for you to change out the switches. Just a thought.....

There are some after market keypads available where the operator can enter a 4 digit code to start the truck. This would eliminate potential of having an unauthorized person operate the truck. Seems like I have sold 2 or 3 hundred keys over the years to replace those that were taken home in an operator's pocket.

RESPONSE TO: tony g, It will probably take an impatient customer using a lift to get at something on a rack and causing an incident (not an accident) to get this changed. I agree this practice of tethered keys is not safe. It is something the "Big Box" store implemented years ago and is not done by the dealer and is something that should be adressed. Using the "Password" function would be a simple way of solving the problem.

I never quite understood how one of the big box hardware stores could "chain" or "wire" the key to the machine. In my Operator Training classes (based upon the OEM program) I advised my students that the key had to be REMOVED when the trained operator left the equipment. Any Jack*ss could get on the lift and crash into a rack injuring or possibly killing someone. When I asked my higher-ups for an explanation I just got an "I dunno." Seems strange to me as these folks get their lifts on a national account basis through the manufacturer who produced the Operator Training Program I taught. Apparently the rules do not apply to everyone. There is nothing to keep a customer from jumping on a lift truck (or reach) and taking off. I know, I have. Perhaps they are in the process of using the password system but for now I feel they are leaving themselves wide open for some liability. As far as people taking keys home there are other measures that can be taken. For instance, mechanics who hold onto all of their paperwork and delay parts and service personell tend to get it turned in when they want their paycheck.

I am not saying that a toggle switch is appropiate.

Most MFG,s provide a non keyed switch.

Contact your OEM.

According to ANSI/ITSDF B56.1-1995 The definition of switch is this:

A manually operated switch (may be key type) to disconnect all control circuits shall be provided.

As long as the sawitch performs to this standard there should be no problem.

FOr the standard Google ITSDF B56

Thanks to all for the replies. At this point I am awaiting further direction from my employer. (CMA) From what I've read I don't see any issue's with attaching the key to the unit. The issue at this point seems to be the interpetion of 'modification' as far as replacing the key sw with another 'type' of switch.

I would definitely recommend getting an ok in writing from the mfgr to CYA. Then if there was ever an accident allegedly related to the mod you wouldn't be the only one hung out to dry.

Joseph h
It would still be best to check with the OEM. I know for a fact that Clark does not approve the use of toggle type ignition switches.

carl v:

A switch is equipment that does not affect the capacity, stability, or safe operation of the truck. Manufacturer approval is not necessary.

ANSI/ITSDF B56.1-2005, Safety Standard for Low Lift and High Lift Trucks; 4.2 Modifications, Nameplates, Markings, and Capacity:

4.2.1 "Except as provided in para. 4.2.2, no modifications or alterations to a powered industrial truck that may affect the capacity, stability, or safe operation of the truck shall be made without the prior written approval of the original truck manufacturer or its successor thereof. When the truck manufacturer or its successor approves a modification or alteration, appropriate changes shall be made to capacity plates, decals, tags, and operation and maintenance manuals."

CUZJOHN, Joseph h is correct, but Section 7 is for the manufacturer
Section 4.2.1 talks of modifications to a unit.

Tom is checking with the OEM. Since it is a modification, it has to be in written approval before the modification is done.
Carl

Cuzjohn:

ANSI/ITSDF B56.1-2005, Safety Standard for Low Lift and High Lift Trucks, does not require a key switch shut-off device.

"A manually operated switch (may be key type) to disconnect all control circuits shall be provided."

7.19 Travel Controls: Electric Trucks, Sit-Down Rider (7.19.3)
7.20 Travel Controls: Electric Trucks, Stand-Up Rider (7.20.3)
7.21 Travel Controls: Internal Combustion-Powered Industrial Trucks, Sit-Down Rider (7.21.3)
7.22 Travel Controls: Internal Combustion-Powered Industrial Trucks, Stand-Up Rider (7.22.3)
7.24 Controls: High Lift Operator-Up Trucks (7.24.5)

"Means readily accessible to the operator shall be provided to shut off all power to the truck."

7.23 Travel Controls: Electric Motorized Hand, Hand/Rider, and Low Lift Order Picker Trucks (7.23.7).

If key loss is the issue, and not unauthorized operators, the key on a wire or piece of light chain like "Big box" stores do

I would also encourage you to only use a switch from a forklift co or SMH. In an emergency NAPA switches work (I Know I've done it), but they seem to fail quickly in a forklift. A lot of new lifts are showing up with the 'keyless keyswitch" already installed and also use an electronic password (Factory option or dealer installed) or an aftermarket system like shockswitch. As a matter of fact one of the large ome improvement stores is doing away with keyswitches and doing this becasue so many people did have keys..

1. Most lift truck manufacturers offer a keyless power switch for their electric units. Contact your local dealer and they should be able to help you. Would advise you don't go to NAPA and buy any switch.

2. A simple solutions for your customer would be to have the key wired to the forklift to solve the lost or taken home key issue.

3. With regard to unauthorized operation of a forklift or a type of forklift that is a company management issue.