⚡ 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.