⚡ Electric Forklift Safety Manual
Your Complete Guide to Safe Service Operations
1. Safety First: Core Principles
⚠️ CRITICAL: Safety is our top priority. Every service engineer must adhere to these core principles.
Core Safety Principles
- No Compromises: Never take shortcuts when it comes to safety procedures
- Risk Assessment: Always assess risks before beginning work
- Right to Refuse: You have the right to refuse unsafe work
- Certification: Maintain all required safety certifications
- Communication: Clearly communicate safety concerns to colleagues and management
- Continuous Learning: Stay updated on safety procedures and best practices
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Always wear appropriate PPE for the task at hand:
Required PPE for All Service Activities:
Task-Specific PPE:
- Face Shield: for grinding, cutting, or handling hazardous chemicals
- Chemical-resistant gloves: when handling batteries, hydraulic fluid, or other chemicals
- Hearing protection: when noise levels exceed 85dB
- Respiratory protection: when working with dusty components or chemicals with fumes
- Fall protection: when working at heights above 4 feet/1.2 meters
3. Pre-Service Safety Checks
Before beginning any service work:
Secure the Area:
Forklift Preparation:
Tools and Equipment Check:
4. Lockout/Tagout Procedures
⚠️ CRITICAL: Proper lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures are essential to prevent unexpected energization.
Standard LOTO Procedure:
Required LOTO Equipment:
- Personalized locks with single key
- ID tags with service engineer's name and contact information
- Multiple-lock hasps for group work
- Battery terminal covers
- Hydraulic line caps
5. Working at Heights
⚠️ WARNING:
Fall protection required for work above 4 feet/1.2 meters.
Height Safety Requirements:
- Always use appropriate fall protection for work above 4 feet/1.2 meters
- Inspect ladders before each use
- Follow the 3-point contact rule (Two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand)
- Secure tools to prevent drops
- Never stand on forklift forks to reach heights
- Use properly rated lift platforms or scaffolding when necessary
6. Electric Forklift Battery Safety
⚠️ DANGER: Battery service presents specific hazards including acid burns and hydrogen gas.
Battery Service Requirements:
7. Hydraulic System Safety
⚠️ WARNING:
Hydraulic fluid under pressure can penetrate skin and cause serious injury.
When Servicing Hydraulic Systems:
- Relieve pressure before disconnecting lines
- Use cardboard, not hands, to check for leaks
- Properly contain and dispose of hydraulic fluid
- Replace hoses at first sign of wear
- Use proper torque specifications for fittings
💡 TIP:
High-pressure hydraulic fluid can be invisible and cause injection injuries. Always use proper detection methods.
8. Tire Handling Safety
⚠️ WARNING:
Tire service requires specific safety measures.
Tire Service Requirements:
- Use proper handling equipment
- Verify rim components are compatible before assembly
- Inspect for damage before installation
9. Ergonomics for Service Engineers
Prevent musculoskeletal injuries with proper ergonomic practices:
Lifting and Material Handling:
- Use proper lifting techniques: Bend knees, keep back straight
- Get help for items over 50 lbs / 23kg
- Use material handling equipment when available
- Avoid awkward postures and extended reaches
Work Positioning:
- Take breaks to stretch and change positions
- Adjust work height to avoid bending and reaching
- Use anti-fatigue mats for extended standing
10. Emergency Procedures
⚠️ EMERGENCY: Know what to do in emergency situations.
Medical Emergency:
- Call emergency services immediately
- Administer first aid if trained
- Do not move injured person unless in immediate danger
- Report incident to supervisor as soon as possible
Fire Emergency:
- Evacuate area if fire cannot be safely controlled
- Use appropriate fire extinguisher (Class ABC for most forklift fires)
- Never use water on electrical or chemical fires
- Follow facility evacuation procedures
Chemical Exposure:
- Rinse affected area with water for at least 15 minutes
- Remove contaminated clothing
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Reference SDS for specific treatment information
11. Safety Documentation
Always have access to these critical documents:
Required Documentation:
- Equipment service manuals
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemicals
- Lockout/tagout procedures for specific equipment
- Company safety policies and procedures
- Accident report forms (online portal)
- Emergency contact information
- Completed Risk Assessments
Reporting Incidents and Near Misses
All incidents and near misses must be reported immediately through the appropriate channels. This helps prevent future incidents and maintains a safe work environment for everyone.
Remember: Safety is everyone's responsibility. When in doubt, ask!
© 2024 Electric Forklift Service Safety Manual | Updated: October 2024