In this issue we continue the monthly feature Cargo Chat. It is specially prepared for Forkliftaction.com News by ICHCA International, an organisation that represents cargo-handling interests at the international level. Cargo Chat is based on ICHCA's bimonthly electronic newsletter and the activities of its International Safety Panel. This month, Cargo Chat picks up on a report in a recent issue of Forkliftaction.com News.

Safe working with forklifts

Safe working with forklifts of all types and sizes depends on several factors.
A basic requirement is the ability of the forklift to lift and carry loads safely and the last Cargo Chat column investigated testing and regular examination of forklifts. Forklifts are vehicles and must, therefore, be the subject of regular maintenance schedules. That is part of their safe capability as well. This column reflects on another aspect. A recent issue of Forkliftaction.com News included a report of an accident involving a machine and its operator working on a barge, handling material from a cruise ship in a harbour. While the forklift was being manoeuvred during handling operations, the forklift and the operator went over the side and into the water. The forklift had just put down a pallet and was being manoeuvred away. The operator was knocked unconscious but was rescued and survived. The forklift sank.

The new ILO Code of Practice on Health & Safety in Ports suggests that, where machines are required to operate near a quay edge, there should be edge protection to stop machines from physically going over the edge. The bigger the wheels, the larger and stronger the protection needs to be. This is different from fog chains and stanchions or rigid fencing traditionally provided to prevent people from falling into water. Forklifts come in a wide variety of sizes and, more importantly, weights and tyre sizes. It is likely the accident referred to involved a relatively small forklift with small wheels. However, some terminals use machines with much larger tyres and that should be taken into account.

The same principle applies to other premises, in fact wherever a forklift or other item of mobile mechanical machinery is required to operate close to an unprotected edge. It is easy for a driver to concentrate on the cargo operation and forget the proximity of an edge. Suitable barriers will prevent the machine and the driver going over the edge, possibly sustaining severe injuries and forklift damage.

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