Discussion:
Steering Knobs, yes or no?

Anyone know if there is a set rule, and if so where can it be found, on the use of add-on steering knobs for counterbalance type fork lifts. My concerne is for Canada and particularly in Québec
  • Posted 17 Mar 2006 03:00
  • Discussion started by paul_c
  • Quebec, Canada
Showing items 1 - 7 of 7 results.
Clark Material Handling Company on its web site specifically states
Clark will not approve spinner knobs on hand steering wheels.

You should check with your truck manufacturer to see if they have a similar policy.

Installing a spinner **** without the manufacturer's approval poses a very real legal liability as you are making a modification to the truck which affects safety.
  • Posted 27 Mar 2006 11:59
  • Reply by joseph_h
  • Michigan, United States
Hi Dan (and all)
Sometimes we shouldn't be looking to find a regulation or standard. The difficulty, if we follow these to the letter, it may not give us a strong enough defense for the employer.
I think we need to look at the hazards and in the use of a steering ****, I've listed a number.
As a foundation to an employer's due diligence, I still believe they should request something for their file from the manufacturer or an authorized dealer that use of a steering **** is a permitted use. Without this, depending on the injury and all factors, I believe an employer could be looked at as altering or modifying the steering and if this was the cause or a contributing factor, the employer could be charged.
Now, I could be stretching it, but.....if an employer is to take "all the precautions" and throw in the words "reasonable" and "adequate" I would hope all would agree that without documentation, the employer is at risk.
Dan, you are right that one needs to look at all the factors: is it an older truck without power steering? Does a driver not have use of one arm or hand?
I would highly recommend if a steering **** is to be used, that: one person does not make that decision. If you have a safety committee, take the question to them for a "company" decision.
Very best to all
  • Posted 24 Mar 2006 08:48
  • Reply by garry_p
  • New Brunswick, Canada
Hi garry p

The CSA 2004 guidelines states their are certain circumstances when these knobs may be used. I agree with everything you are stating however if you go by the 'experts', apparently, following these conditions, it is fine.

I still prefer using the steering wheel however I do have a client or two where the steering **** does make sense, proided that it is used accordingly.

One of my students last week had it flung off the wheel becuase it was not mounted properly. No one was hurt nor was anything damaged. Just an inconvenience.

Everybody has their own opinion about this and many other subjects however paul c is lloking for a rule and the CSA guidleines do have the rule.

BTW, long time, no speak.
  • Posted 24 Mar 2006 08:30
  • Reply by dan_m
  • Ontario, Canada
the standards were set when forklifts had mechanical steering. with the hydraulic steering kick back from expansion joints and debris is not sent back to the steering wheel. several (large) manufactures are out fitting the new class I, IV, & V truck with them from the factory
  • Posted 24 Mar 2006 00:58
  • Reply by jamesss
  • Iowa, United States
James S
Steering knobs should NOT be used on a sit-down counterbalanced lift truck unless you h'ave something in writing from the manufacturer authorizing their use. With nothing on file, it could be considered an alteration or modification and an employer could be charged.
What you'll see in print deals with road kickback or feedback, that's why steering knobs that are in use are to be inside the diameter of the steering wheel and held palm style.
What you will not see in print is the fact a lift truck could turn that much quicker and sharper and a steering **** could be determined to be the cause or a major contributor to a lateral tip-over. If this were to happen and the employer had nothing on file from the., the employer could have a problem.
Some other issues relate to a driver not used to a steering **** and forgetting to use and he could bang his hand in a corner and lose control of the steering.
A person getting off a lift truck could catch loose clothing on a steering **** and get thrown back as they get off.
Probably one of the major issues to address is a sudden stop when traveling forward or a forward tip-over. With or without the use of a seatbelt, guess where the steering **** is going to end up.
Most lift trucks these days have power steering and anyone using a steering **** is not aware of the dangers and if they are I don't believe the employer has a defense of due diligence on this one.
  • Posted 23 Mar 2006 21:34
  • Reply by garry_p
  • New Brunswick, Canada
CSA B335-04,

4.9.3.7
Where steering must be accomplished with one hand using a steering handwheel, a steering ****(s) or an equivalent shall be used to promote safe and effective operation. the steering handwheel and **** configuration shall be of a design that will minimize the hazard from a spinning handwheel due to a driving surface reaction feedback, or a steering mechanism shall be of a type that prevents driving surface reactions from causing the steering handwheel to spin. The steering wheel ****(s) shall be within the periphery of the steering handwheel.

4.9.3.8
Where steering can be accomplished by either hand, and the steering mechanism is of a type that prevents driving surface reactions from causing the handwheel to spin (power steering or equivalent), steering knobs may be used. When used, steering knobs shall be of a type that can be engaged by the operator's hand from the top, and shall be within the periphery of the steering handwheel.

That should answer your question regarding the Candian Standards Assciation guidelines, being from Quebec 'n all. However, I do agree with joseph h that 2 hands are better than one. In certain circumstances, based upon my experiences, there are certain trucks, especially the older ones, where the **** does make steering much easier, especially when the students are operating the sit-down counterbalance forklifts, through the obstacle courses. The heaviness of the steering wheel along with the wheel's diameter, make turning the truck rather awkward.

Take it from there.....
  • Posted 20 Mar 2006 09:58
  • Reply by dan_m
  • Ontario, Canada
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) publication B56.1-2004 (and previous ANSI versions), Safety Standard for Low Lift and High Lift Trucks, addresses modifications to trucks and the use of spinner knobs.

Paragraph 4.2.1 requires modifications which may affect the safe operation of the truck be approved in writing by the truck manufacturer.

Paragraph 4.2.8 requires a spinner **** to be used with steering mechanisms that prevent road reactions to cause the steering wheel to spin where one handed operation is required and gives technical installation specifications.

Paragraph 4.2.9 allows the optional use of a spinner **** with steering mechanisms that prevent road reactions to cause the steering wheel to spin and gives technical installation specifications.

Similar paragraphs will likely be found in the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) publication CAN-B335-04, Safety Standard for Lift Trucks. People in other countries should consult their national engineering standard organization such as BSI, SAA, SNZ, etc. for similar publications.

With the exceptions of stand up operated forklifts designed for one hand operation and the accommodation of a counterbalanced truck for a disabled person, I can't think of a good reason for the use of a spinner ****. Controls for lift, tilt, side-shift, and automatic fork positioning, etc. should not be operated while the truck is in motion. Activities such as eating, drinking, using a radio, using a cell phone, etc. should also be prohibited while the truck is in motion. Both operator's hands, excluding the above exceptions, should be on the steering wheel while in motion.

Due to the poor lateral stability of forklifts (especially when not carrying a load), I would not recommend spinner knobs for normal use. I see spinner knobs as a prelude to a lateral overturn.
  • Posted 19 Mar 2006 12:54
  • Reply by joseph_h
  • Michigan, United States

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