In this issue we continue the new monthly column, Cargo Chat. It is specially prepared for Forkliftaction.com News by ICHCA International, a representative organisation of international cargo-handling interests. The column is based on ICHCA's bimonthly e-newsletter and International Safety Panel activities. Send your comments or questions to www.forkliftaction.com.

Cargo Chat is a discussion forum on cargo handling, safety and health, and related matters of interest, for Forkliftaction.com News readers.

Safe working with forklifts

Forkliftaction.com News reported on a survey of forklift owners/operators in retail premises that showed a widespread lack of understanding of basic safety aspects of forklifts. Reports from other sources and countries have reinforced the survey and show the lack of understanding extends to safe operating.

Retail premises often have one or two forklifts for lifting and carrying around the premises and they are the only lifting appliances and lifting gear there. Consequently, as the main purpose of the premises has no direct connection with lifting and handling, there is a danger that what should be done is not known, not appreciated or just not followed. Worse still, some premises are open to the public and the public know even less about the operation and dangers of forklifts. To compound the problem, national safety laws on lifting machines concentrate on industries that mostly use them, leaving only general laws that apply to all.

Basic minimum safety requirements apply to all lifting machinery and lifting equipment.

• All new lifting machinery and lifting equipment should, before it is sold, undergo
  
  
  
  • testing
    
  • a thorough examination
    
  • have the safe working load clearly marked.
    
  
  
• After purchase, each item should be subjected to a regular thorough examination.
  
  
  
  • The period will be specified by national laws but generally is at least once every 12 months. This ensures items are safe to use for lifting.
    
  • Loose gear may need to be thoroughly examined more often, depending on use. Retail premise use in unlikely to be intensive (as opposed to dock operations, for example) and 12 months may be appropriate.
    
  
  
• Every area where forklifts operate should be kept as free from people as possible - especially the public. Rear wheel steering is not understood and there has been at least one instance of a member of the public being run down and killed in a retail area while she was looking at products on display.
  
  
• All forklift drivers should be trained, fit and competent to drive.
  
  
• All forklifts should be regularly maintained to ensure they remain safe to drive.

These very basic requirements should be applied after consulting national legislation.


Send your questions to www.forkliftaction.com.

Contact ICHCA International:
Suite 2, 85 Western Road, Romford, Essex, RM1 3LS, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1708 735295 Fax: +44 (0) 1708 735225
Email: info@ichcainternational.co.uk
Website: www.ichcainternational.co.uk