Forklift Safety

In the situation you have described, a shower woul...

2012-01-05T15:53:17.460-08:00

In the situation you have described, a shower would certainly not be required. Regarding an eyewash, it depends on the circumstances. If you have employees who are checking/adding to the fluids in the battery, then "yes" an eyewash would be required. If you have a maintenance free battery or the battery is checked by an outside contractor (non-employee) then an eyewash would not be required.

Question: is an eyewash and/or shower required if ...

2012-01-05T15:48:42.805-08:00

Question: is an eyewash and/or shower required if an electric walk-behind pallet jack is plugged into a standard 110 wall outlet?

"...be aware that OSHA would consider the lac...

2011-03-16T11:53:42.524-07:00

"...be aware that OSHA would consider the lack of manufacturer's approval to be a "de minimis"(minor, no penalty)" True as this is, I think that with increased attention to safety lately, you'll find that many decision-makers would choose to meet the manufacturer's recommendations. Workplace safety is of utmost importance, so be sure to consult a material handling expert if you have concerns. www.briggsequipment.com

In the formal OSHA regulations regarding forklift,...

2011-03-14T07:14:52.014-07:00

In the formal OSHA regulations regarding forklift, the stated minimum requirement is an eye wash station in the battery charging area.

However, other OSHA regulations may also need to be considered. For example 29 CFR 1910.151(c). In this standard, OSHA specifies that "where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use."

Also in OSHA publications for compliance assistance you will find the following statement regarding the needed items for a forklift battery recharging area, "An eyewash able to provide a 15 minute flow. Note: For large installations, there should be a plumbed drench shower and an eyewash."

I hope this helps.

I understand an emergency eyewash station is requi...

2011-03-14T05:19:17.261-07:00

I understand an emergency eyewash station is required at battery charing stations. My question is if there is a requirement for an emergency shower also?

This sad incident shows the hazards involved in th...

2011-01-15T09:32:27.668-08:00

This sad incident shows the hazards involved in the work place. There are a number of factors that need examining here, which if they had been implemented, this tragedy may not have occurred.
1. Anywhere there are moving parts and vehicles, in the near vicinity of workers, there should be some sort of safety barrier separating them from one another.
2. Health and safety rules ensure moving machine parts are out of reach behind some sort of safety barrier when in operation.

If there had been a steel barrier fitted this would have saved or at least reduced the impact force and may have prevented loss of life.

Drivers too should be aware of the dangers of high speed driving in confined areas, especially where workers are close at hand.

Many gravity fed stations do in fact meet the stan...

2010-04-20T16:02:54.631-07:00

Many gravity fed stations do in fact meet the standard for flushing eyes. If you have 6 gallons or more it should meet it. What you don't get with those is a shower.

Yes you will still need PPE. That is the first li...

2010-02-21T06:03:42.436-08:00

Yes you will still need PPE. That is the first line of defense. Regarding the eye wash station, I am not sure if your "gravity fed watering system" will meet the requirements. The OSHA requirements for emergency eyewashes and showers, found at 29 CFR 1910.151(c), specify that "where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use." Without looking at your system, I would say that it probably does not meet all of the requirements. My recommendation is better to spend a little to make sure your comply and protect your employees. The alternatives are much worse. You can visit out site at www.osha-safety-training.net for more information and to purchase the needed items.

Do you need to still have an eye wash station and ...

2010-02-21T02:00:11.965-08:00

Do you need to still have an eye wash station and PPE if you have a gravity fed watering system?

29 CFR 1910.178(g) says "Battery charging...

2009-12-14T17:53:29.983-08:00

29 CFR 1910.178(g) says

"Battery charging installations shall be located in areas designated for that purpose.
Facilities shall be provided for flushing and neutralizing spilled electrolyte, for fire protection, for protecting charging apparatus from damage by trucks, and for adequate ventilation for dispersal of fumes from gassing batteries."

OSHA recognizes the hazard from battery charging fumes. We recommend that you bring this to the immediate attention of management at your workplace. If management does not provide a solution, then please contact OSHA directly at 1-800-321-OSHA.

Forklift charging-- safety issue I'm in 3rd sh...

2009-12-11T13:37:56.126-08:00

Forklift charging-- safety issue
I'm in 3rd shift in an manufacturing plant. During 7 hours of our shift a fork lift is being charged continuously about 15 yards from the production line. The forklift is in the same manufacturing building where the employees work with no separation or any special/local vent to remove vapors/gases from the charging station. At least in two events we received high level of contamination/pollution released from the gases and caused employees a segnificent irritation in the throat. What kind of gases cause this irritation/pollution? What about local ventilation/exhaust? Does such local ventilation is required by OSHA? (there is general ventilation in the building but from the throat irritation it seems that the general ventilation does not addresses the released gasses during charging and these gases easily reaches the employees) What are the risk of continuous charging next to employees? what need to be done

Your employer is required to provide training for ...

2009-08-03T12:37:11.786-07:00

Your employer is required to provide training for you. Since OSHA forklift training includes "hands-on" training it can be done online only if there is an instructor at your workplace to do the "hands-on" portion. Workplace trainers can use online training or safety videos for the classroom portion, but the trainer must complete the hands-on instruction and the hands-on driving exam.

Where is the best place to get OSHA certified and ...

2009-08-03T09:26:32.074-07:00

Where is the best place to get OSHA certified and are there online classes available?

Forklift safety is certainly important. It's gene...

2009-01-11T10:10:00.000-08:00

Forklift safety is certainly important. It's generally an unknown danger that contributes to an accident. So, pay attention to your training and always wear your safety products. Here are several companies I would recommend to purchase Occupational Safety Products and Safety Videos