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Congratulations to you all on your endeavours and motivation.

A word of warning though.

I undertake forklift operator refresher training from time to time. It starts with a 1.5 hour session on the real risks with forklifts and includes a sample forklift inspection. Then each operator is individually taken out and asked to do a check of their forklift before demonstrating their forklift operating skills while undertaking a range of common tasks in the workplace.

It becomes quite obvious that in spite of the presence of checklists most have never done a full check because:
1. THey don't know how to open up the engine compartment - where applicable this may include not knowing where the engine cover latch is; not knowing how to swing the LPG cyclinder out of the way, not knowing how to swing the seat out of the way...
2. If they can do 1 above not knowing where the engine oil dip stick is, the hydraulic level dipstick is, not knowing where to check the coolant level, not realising they should check battery levels... etc

Managing this situation is a problem, and especially so where there is either a high turnover in forklift operators, or where the operators are supplied by labour hire firms.

My normal recommendation to companies is to have an appropriately skilled full time employee (mechanic or someone with those skills) do a full check of all forklifts at the start of each week - paid for doing that work, and if necessary brought in early. And that person records real data (for example whether coolant or any other fluid level had dropped, any new damage,...). That way you can be assured that the forklift is thoroughly checked weekly and you have real information.

Then you have operators undertake a basic daily check that does not include engine or battery compartment checks.

Final note - all the above gives a degree of assurance but its not absolute. Went to a site this week with 2 forklifts. Did a tour with the OH&S manager. Spoke to operator of one forklift to get some knowledge of his operation. Manager asked how the reasonably new forklift was going - "Fine though the seat is broken and the seat belt doesn't work - it jams". "Why hasn't a new seat been ordered and seat belt been fixed?" "Too busy!"
  • Posted 23 Nov 2007 11:35
  • By John_Lambert
  • joined 30 May'06 - 74 messages
  • Victoria, Australia
Better to strive and experience all life's colours from pain to ecstasy than to exist in a grey life

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