Fork lifts are an invaluable element of most warehouses and construction firms. They are typically used in lifting and moving heavy objects. Investing in a fork lift can go a long way in increasing the efficiency around the workplace. However, operating a fork lift is not a task that should be handled lightly.
Fork lifts are heavier than cars and have a lot more power. They can therefore lead to severe injuries or damage to property if they are handled wrongly. To prevent this, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) recommends that an operator be properly trained and certified before using a forklift.
There are many benefits to forklift certifications. For instance, during fork lift training programs, workers learn how to correctly assess the weight of the items that are to be carried. Different lifts have varying capacities as specified by their manufacturers. Trying to carry an object that exceeds the capacity of the forklift can not only damage the equipment but also lead to potential risks. Because of this, most fork lift rental companies insist on being informed of the exact weight of the items to be moved before agreeing to the terms.
Another important factor that is addressed during forklift certification programs is the height at which a forklift will be required to operate. Just like the weight of an object, fork lifts have different height ranges. These need to be taken into consideration when calculating the overall fork lift capacity. Using a lift that does not retain enough capacity for the intended height can result in several different unpleasant scenarios such as loss of control or the unit tipping over.
There are several other important factors that affect the equipment capacity of a forklift. Some of these include the vertical and horizontal load center, the side shift distance and the tires. The capacity of a fork can also be affected by its age if it becomes worn. New forks have a designated heel thickness that can become worn and thinner with use. This can have a significant impact on the capacity of a fork lift. Details such as these are addressed at length during forklift capacity certification.
However, even with training it takes a while before employees become competent enough to make the right decisions without guidance. More importantly, picking the right fork lift requires a careful consideration of all the different parameters involved-a task that is better suited to an engineering company or a team of qualified professionals. Fortunately, in such situations, there are online engineering applications that can be of assistance. A good example is Lift Truck Capacity Calculator.
The Lift Truck Capacity Calculator is an online application designed to provide employers and employees with the means of correctly calculating the capacity of forklifts. This allows them to make better decisions when buying units or modifying their fork lift attachments. The Lift Truck Capacity Calculator is powered by Professional Forklift Engineering Services, a company recognized and accredited for its expertise in this area. You can learn more about their services by visiting website or by calling 843-532-6469 to speak to an engineer.
Obtaining a forklift certificate is important. This is because it means that you have taken the time to consider a myriad of problems. Included among these are injuries to employees that can be serious. It can also result in major financial problems.
Forklifts pose hazards to workers if they aren't properly maintained, and when operators aren't properly trained in their operation. OSHA forklift certification is no laughing matter, and OSHA takes their regulations very seriously. |
There are a multitude of factors that affect the lifting capacity of a forklift and these parameters, which are indicated on the capacity data plate, include:
- Make or Manufacturer
- Model
- Power Source
- Battery Weight (for electrics)
- Tire Type
- Tire Size
- Mast Lift Height
- Mast Carriage Type
- Attachment(s) Type
- Attachment(s) model
- Load Center of Gravity (CG or LC)
If any of these parameters are changed, particularly the attachments on the forklift carriage or the load center, the capacity plate should be checked for accuracy to ensure safe load handling.
Forklift attachments include anything that is attached to the front carriage of a forklift or is attached to an attachment on the forklift. A typical forklift attachment configuration might include a hang-on side shifter and two forks. In this case, if the forks are removed and longer forks are added, the capacity of the machine could be drastically reduced. Or if the forklift is used to pick up a fork mounted attachment, such as a drum handler or fork extensions, then a capacity data plate must be changed or added to reflect the new configuration. OSHA forklift safety regulations state that a forklift must have a legible capacity plate to reflect any attachment used on the lift.
Lift height or maximum fork height (MFH) has a significant effect on a forklift’s load carrying capacity, and forklifts with high masts will have a greater carrying capacity at lower lift heights than at the maximum lift height. For this reason forklifts with very high masts may have a dual capacity rating on the data plate; a maximum capacity up to a mid level lift height, and a lower capacity rating at the maximum lift height. This allows the forklift operator to work with heavier loads at low heights, i.e. loading and unloading trucks, cross-docking, etc., while using the same forklift to put away lighter loads to high storage locations.
Because a forklift is using leverage to lift a load, any condition that adds weight to the front of the forklift and causes the load center (LC or CG) of the load to be moved further away from the forklift will contribute to a reduction in the residual carrying capacity of the machine. Forklift attachments can cause these reductions, as well as the dimensions of the load and the load handling conditions. Load center typically refers to the horizontal distance to the load CG and is typically half the length of the load for symmetrical objects. To illustrate how attachments and load CG’s can affect residual carrying capacity, consider for example that a particular forklift with only forks on the carriage is rated at 5,000 lb capacity @ 24” load center on the data plate. This forklift will only be rated at 1,270 lb when equipped with a particular 8 foot long fork mounted jib boom because the boom adds weight and moves the load center out to 96 inches. In this case the forklift may employ a dual load center capacity rating on the capacity plate indicating a greater lifting capacity (2,750 lb) at a 4 foot load center and a lower capacity (1,270 lb) at the 8 foot load center.
Small changes in load center can also greatly affect the carrying capacity. Consider the capacity of the same 5,000 lb forklift with 48” forks and rated at a 24” load center, drops to 3,660 lbs when 72” fork extensions are employed to lift a 6 foot long load.
The main thing to consider is that every forklift has a legible capacity plate that accurately reflects the attachment configuration being used at the correct load center for the load being lifted and contact Professional Forklift Engineering Services at www.LiftTruckCapacityCalculator.com to check your lift capacity and get a professional engineering (PE) certified capacity rating plate on your forklift today.
"Employers who are cited for repeat violations demonstrate a lack of commitment to workplace safety and health standards. Deficient forklifts and improperly handled chemicals can lead to serious injuries or death,"said Diane Turek, director of OSHA's Chicago North office in Des Plaines. "All employers must take the necessary steps to eliminate hazards from the workplace."
Four repeat violations with proposed penalties of $132,000 have been cited,including exposing workers to hazards by allowing them to operate forklifts that remained in service even after deficiencies were noted; exposing workers' eyes, faces and hands to corrosive chemicals without providing suitable eyewash facilities; and failing to develop an emergency response plan and conduct fire extinguisher training. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. The company was cited for the same violations at numerous facilities between 2006 and 2011.
Central Transport also has been cited for eight serious violations with proposed penalties of $30,800, including failing to train and evaluate forklift drivers, maintain forklift name plates in legible condition, label hazardous material containers, maintain the mechanic shop maintenance area in a dry condition, provide workers with training on hazardous chemicals and provide material data safety sheets for workers' reference. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.
Finally, the company has been cited for five other-than-serious violations with $2,000 in proposed penalties for failing to maintain the OSHA 300 injury and illness log, maintain fire extinguishers, illuminate exit signs and unlock a fire exit door. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.
The citations can be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/CentralTransport_77120_1205_11.pdf*.
Central Transport, a national freight company based in Warren, Mich., has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's Chicago North area director in Des Plaines or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's Chicago North office at 847-803-4800.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.
