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Operator's Pre-use Shift Check & Thorough Inspection
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When should an operator inspect the forklift truck?
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An
operator should inspect the forklift truck every day before
using, or when returning from break as the vehicle.
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What does a daily inspection involve?
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The
operator should carry out a visual check ("circle" check)
before starting the forklift. After completing the visual
pre-start check, the operator should do an operational pre-use
check.
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What should an operator inspect during the visual pre-use check?
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• General condition and cleanliness.
• Floor -- clear of objects that could cause an accident.
• Overhead -- no obstructions.
• Nearby objects to avoid as you drive away.
• Engine oil level, fuel level, radiator water level (LPG, gas and diesel forklifts).
• Battery -- fully charged; check cables for exposed wires; battery plug connections not loose, worn or dirty; vent caps not clogged; electrolyte levels in cells; hold downs or brackets keep battery securely in place.
• Bolts, nuts, guards, chains, or hydraulic hose reels not damaged, missing or loose.
• Wheels and tires -- check for wear, damage, and air pressure, if pneumatic tires.
• Forks -- forks not bent; no cracks present; positioning latches in good working condition; carriage castling not broken, chipped or worn.
• Chain anchor pins -- not worn, loose or bent.
• Fluid Leaks -- no damp spots or drips.
• Hoses -- held securely; not loose, crimped, worn or rubbing.
• Horn -- working and loud enough to be heard in working environment; other warning devices operational.
• Lights -- head lights and warning lights operational.
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Report any problems identified in daily check to the supervisor immediately
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No Responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of this article
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"A thorough examination on a periodic basis..."
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BITA GN28 recommendations on intervals for periodic Thorough Examination
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| Minimum Intervals Between Examinations |
Operating Circumstances |
| 12 months |
Any truck working up to 40 hours per week, without attachments other than side shift. (mandatory) |
| 6 months |
Any truck used for lifting persons, no matter how infrequent (mandatory) |
| 6 months |
Any truck fitted with an attachment other than a side shift. |
| 6 months |
Any truck working between 40 and 80 hours per week. |
| 4 months |
Any truck working in excess of 80 hours per week. |
| 4 months |
Any truck working in arduous conditions
Such as....
Marine environments
Corrosive chemical environment
Metal manufacturing or processing
Cement/aggregate processing, or
abrasive partials are present
Brine Processing
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Useful Publications
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•
Safe Use of Work Equipment Provision and Use of Work Equipment
Regulations 1998
(PUWER 98)
Approved Code of Practice And Guidance
HSE Code L22
ISBN Code 0-7176-1626-6
• Safe Use of Lifting Equipment
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
(LOLER 98)
Approved Code of Practice and Guidance
HSE Code L113
ISBN Code 0-7176-1828-2
These publications can be purchased from HSE Book (Tel:
01787 881165)
• Safety Inspections Of Industrial Lift Trucks
GN28
This publication can be purchased from British Industrial
Truck Association (BITA)
(Tel: 01344 623800).
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Preliminary Guidance on PUWER98 and LOLER
A summary of the main changes relating to lifting
equipment arising out of The Provision and Use of Work Equipment
Regulations 1998, SI No 2306 and The Lifting Operations and
Lifting Equipment regulations 1998, SI No 2307 which came
into force on 5th December 1998.
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Overview
PUWER98 and LOLER are two sets of a new generation
of Regulations arising from European Directives. These
two sets of Regulations together with four approved
codes of practice (ACoPs) implement the amendment to
the Use of Work Equipment Directive (AUWED). The ACoPs
cover PUWER98, LOLER, Power Presses and Woodworking
Equipment. PUWER98 applies to all equipment provided
for use at work and LOLER is additional for lifting
equipment. Therefore for lifting equipment, both must
be complied with. They repeal or revoke most of the
existing legislation relating to lifting equipment and
PUWER98 replaces the 1992 version of PUWER. In addition
the opportunity has been taken to repeal or replace
several old and redundant Acts, orders and Regulations.
Both sets of Regulations show where they apply and list
the legislation they repeal or revoke. We suggest you
start by reading those to put the new Regulations into
the correct context of your own business. (For PUWER98
see Regulations 3, 38, 39 and Schedule 4) (For LOLER
see Regulations 3, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and Schedule 2)
The new Regulations, as for others arising from Europe,
are 'risk based' and 'goal setting' in the way they
are written. Generally they apply across all industries,
unlike the older industry specific legislation, and
also cover some areas not previously covered by legislation.
However because we have had the Health and Safety at
Work etc Act (HASWA) since 1974, the UK should be well
prepared to implement them.
The main changes arising from PUWER98 The main requirements
of PUWER98 are to ensure that work equipment is suitable for
its purpose, is maintained, is inspected when appropriate
to ensure it has been correctly installed and remains in serviceable
condition, that the people who use the equipment have been
trained and have the information and instructions they need
and that appropriate records are kept. In general these are
all sensible requirements and PUWER98 to a very large extent
simply reinforces the existing requirements of HASWA. PUWER98
also requires the employer providing equipment for use at
work to address specific hazards where they exist in much
the same way as the Machinery Directive* requires machinery
manufacturers to address those risks and hazards. (*Implemented
in the UK by The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations
1992, SI No 3073 and amended in 1994) One difference is that
the Machinery Directive only applies to new equipment manufactured
after a certain date, whereas PUWER98 applies to equipment
from all dates of manufacture and supply. Therefore many of
the requirements may already have been addressed by the equipment
manufacturer, particularly where the equipment complies with
the European Directives relating to its manufacture and supply.
In some cases upgrading of the equipment or installation will
be required and in others the equipment may have to be scrapped.
The only way to determine what, if anything, is required is
to make a risk assessment for each piece of equipment. Regulation
10 requires equipment first provided for use after 31st December
1992 to comply with any 'essential requirements' i.e. the
requirements in the legislation dealing with the manufacture
and supply of new equipment such as the Machinery Directive.
However sometimes equipment complying with these requirements
may still present a hazard or risk that is unacceptable and,
in effect, the new equipment cannot be used until further
steps are taken. This could be, for example, because the equipment
is used in an application different from that originally envisaged
or provided for by the manufacturer or because some aspect
of safety depends upon the way it is installed. It may also
arise from a technical mismatch between the supply side and
user side legislation. This has occurred with some mobile
equipment dealt with under regulations 25 to 30. One important
point to consider is how the employer ensures that the equipment
he provides complies with the relevant instruments. The most
obvious for lifting equipment which should comply with the
Machinery Directive is to look for the CE marking and obtain
the EC declaration of conformity. From the user's point of
view, it is therefore very important that manufacturers properly
affix the CE marking and issue the correct documentation including
the information for use and that suppliers pass on all the
correct documentation.
The main changes arising from LOLER Compared to older
specific legislation, the main changes related to lifting
equipment are: The definition of lifting equipment is much
more open and now includes some equipment which may not have
previously been regarded as such. (See LOLER Regulation 2)
There are additional requirements for lifting persons. (See
LOLER Regulation 5)
There are additional requirements for making equipment which
is designed for lifting persons or is not designed for lifting
persons but might be so used in error. (See LOLER Regulation
7)
There is greater emphasis on planning the lifting operation.
(See LOLER Regulation 8)
The requirements for testing, thorough examination and inspection
are more flexible, allowing an examination scheme as an alternative
to fixed maximum periods between thorough examinations. (See
LOLER Regulation 9)
If lifting equipment leaves an undertaking or is obtained
from another undertaking it must be accompanied by physical
evidence that the last thorough examination required has been
carried out. (See LOLER Regulation 9) There are different
requirements for reporting and records. (See LOLER Regulation
10 and Schedule 1)
Generally the other requirements of LOLER are similar to the
older legislation although the detail varies a little
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All
training provided is accredited to
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Standards
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Category
3 Accredited Training Centre |
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