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VEHICLE OPERATIONS TYPES OF VEHICLES COMMONLY FOUND IN THE WORKPLACE There are a number of different types of fork trucks

in use in the workplace. Some of these are:COUNTERBALANCE FORK-LIFT TRUCK The fork-lift truck mostly used in the workplace is counterbalance forklift truck. It carries the load in front and the load is counterbalanced by a weight at the rear. The load can be raised or lowered the mast tilts forwards or backwards This type of truck is used in workplaces such as warehouses and workshops etc. ROUGH TERRAIN FORK-LIFT TRUCK This type of truck operates the same way as the counterbalance truck but has large pneumatic (air filled) tyres which gives a greater ground clearance and is designed to work on soft, uneven ground as may be found on construction sites. The 2 most common versions are a vertical mast truck the same as a counterbalance one fitted with a telescopic handler.

Industrial Reach Fork-Lift Truck The mast of a reach truck moves forward away from the body of the vehicle to pick up the load. Once the load has been gathered the load is reached back and carried within the wheelbase of the vehicle. This gives the vehicle very good manoeuvrability in narrow spaces such as warehouse aisles. This type of truck is suitable only for use on smooth, level and firm surfaces.

Pedestrian Controlled Trucks This type of lifting device is operated by an individual, walking with the truck rather than riding on it. The pedestrian operated lift truck usually has a limited reach height of around 2 metres. The principle of operation of the truck is as a counterbalanced truck with the load carried out in front of the operator.

Compact Dumpers Commonly used in construction this versatile vehicle operates on rough surfaces carrying the load (aggregate, blocks, etc.) in a bucket held in front of the vehicle. Forward vision is obstructed and the front wheels of the vehicle are often not visible to the driver.

PROPULSION SYSTEMS Vehicles operate by way of an internal combustion engine or a battery driven system. Battery Explosive hydrogen gas released when batteries are recharged. Electrical arcs / shock. Manual handling of liquids. Corrosive acid.

Petrol and diesel

Flammable / harmful liquid storage and leaks. Flames or sparks from the air inlet or exhaust systems. Exhaust fumes. Surface temperature of the exhaust system and other hot surfaces. Noise. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Extremely flammable gas storage and leaks. Exhaust fumes, including carbon monoxide. Manual handling of cylinders. Surface temperature of the exhaust system and other hot surfaces. Table: Hazards Associated With Vehicle Propulsion Systems

LOSS OF CONTROL AND OVERTURNING OF VEHICLES Overturning vehicles cause nearly a fifth of all deaths in workplace transport accidents. Fork-lift trucks, compact dumpers, tipper lorries and tractors are all especially prone to overturning. There are many reasons why vehicles overturn, including: o o o o o o o o o o o travelling on gradients that are too steep fork-lift trucks travelling forwards when descending slopes being overloaded, unevenly loaded or carrying unstable loads travelling on soft or uneven ground or falling into excavations travelling over slippery services, e.g. oil or grease patches travelling too fast, especially around corners travelling over kerbs, steps or other edges poor maintenance, e.g. of tyres poor driving / driver training not being suitable for the task and carrying loads at a dangerous height, e.g. a fully raised fork-lift truck load.

To prevent vehicles overturning the employer should ensure:o o o o o o o o o o vehicles should only be driven over the surfaces they are designed for suitable routes should be planned out, avoiding steep slopes, uneven or slippery surfaces, kerbs and sharp turns vehicles should be driven at a suitable speed for the task, load and ground conditions vehicles should never be overloaded, i.e. operate must within safe working load (SWL) loads should be evenly distributed across the whole vehicle and be secure loads should be carried in a lowered position wherever possible loads should only be carried by suitable vehicles stop blocks to prevent compact dumpers falling into excavations speed limits must be considered and set where necessary, speed limits must be enforced speed humps are not recommended.

PRE-USE CHECK ON FORK LIFT TRUCKS o Condition and pressure of tyres o Functioning of lights, horns, brakes o Warning devices working o Suitable mirrors o Engine for oil leaks o Water leaks o Seat securely fixed/suitable restraints o Damage to bodywork/lifting mechanisms o Security of equipment fitted i.e. LPG tank PARKING OF FORK LIFT TRUCKS o Designated parking area o Applying brakes o Controls in neutral position o Switch off engine o Removing key & returning to responsible person o Forks resting on floor o Mast tilted slightly forward o Not obstructing walkways o Not obstructing fire exits/fire points

EXAMINATION OF FORK LIFT TRUCKS FORK LIFT TRUCKS SHOULD BE INSPECTED: o Before its first use o Daily by the driver o 12 monthly intervals (6 months if carrying persons) by a competent person o Complying with schedule o Circumstances that may compromise safety of the truck FORK LIFT TRUCKS Summary of Hazards o Overturning o Overloading o Loss of load o Collisions o Machine failure o Falling from loading bays o Explosions and fire o Exhaust fume emission o Passengers o Inappropriate parking o Manual handling o Vibration/noise o Silent running

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