Batteries

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Battery Charging

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          ~ Add acid into water, not water into acid.
          ~  Performed in designated areas only.
          ~ Ventilation provided for battery off-gassing.
          ~ Vent caps function to dissipate heat during charging.
          ~ PIT parked and brake applied before charging.
          ~ Smoking and other ignition sources are prohibited in the area (30 feet recommended).
          ~ Metallic tools must be kept away from the tops of batteries.

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Battery Changing

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          ~ Hoisting equipment provided for changing batteries.
          ~ PIT parked and brake applied before charging.
          ~ Metallic tools must be kept away from the tops of batteries.

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Electrolyte Handling

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          ~ Spill Protective Equipment provided for flushing and neutralizing electrolyte.
          ~ Carboy tilter or siphon system provided for handling electrolyte.
          ~ Open flames may not be used to view or check electrolyte levels.

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Dockboards and Bridgeplates

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          ~ All dock-boards and bridge plates must be strong enough to carry the load imposed on them.
          ~ Portable dock-boards will be secured in position, either by being anchored or equipped with devices

             which will prevent their slipping.
          ~ Powered dock-boards shall be designed and constructed in accordance with US Department of

             Commerce standards for Commercial Industrial Lifts and Hinged Loading Ramps.
          ~ Handholds, or other effective means, must be provided on portable dock-boards to permit

             safe handling.
          ~ Positive protection must be provided to prevent trucks, trailers, railroad cars and other vehicles from

             being moved while dock-boards or bridge plates are in position.

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Facility Requirements

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          ~ Trucks may not be used outside their limitations.
          ~ Workplace rules and procedures should be documented.
          ~ Maintain appropriate aisle spacing; consider the width requirements of the equipment, any approved

             aisle storage and pedestrian aisle-width requirements.
          ~ Lighting (30 feet visibility) must be available or directional lighting must be provided on the vehicle.
          ~ Where fumes and noxious gas can accumulate from the vehicle exhaust, additional ventilation may be

             required.
          ~ Chocks used and brakes must be used to prevent movement during loading and unloading for any

             highway trucks, railcars or similar vehicles.
          ~ Dock-boards and bridge-plates must be provided, as needed.
          ~ Charging and watering stations require spill cleanup equipment to be available when needed,

             including: neoprene gloves, chemical face shield, neoprene apron and safety glasses with side

             shields. Spills may need to be reported to management.

          ~ Battery changing areas and electrolyte handling areas require: eye baths, safety showers or another

             means of washing or rinsing the body, safety glasses, neoprene gloves, apron, chemical face shield

             and steel toed safety shoes.
          ~ Hoisting equipment must be provided for changing batteries, and spill cleanup equipment must be

             accessible for spilled electrolyte.

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Fuel Tanks

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          ~ May not be filled while the engine is running.
          ~ Spill must be carefully washed away or completely evaporated before restarting engine.
          ~ Fuel caps must be in place before starting and at all times (except during filling).
          ~ Leaks must be corrected before use; leaking vehicles must be immediately removed from service.

             Repairs must be made by authorized persons only.
          ~ Liquid fuels such as gasoline and diesel fuel must be handled in accordance with proper procedures.

          ~ Liquefied petroleum gas (LP Gas) storage and handling must be in place and followed.

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Operator Requirements

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          ~ Trucks may not be used outside their limitations.
          ~ Attend training (classroom and practical demonstration)
          ~ If there is not enough aisle spacing, do not attempt to manage materials in the area.
          ~ Ensure you can see clearly in the path of travel for 30 feet or use specialized or directional lighting.
          ~ Do not idle the vehicle engine in an enclosed space (elevator or truck bed).
          ~ Chocks used and brakes must be used to prevent movement during loading and unloading for any

             highway trucks, railcars or similar vehicles.
          ~ Dock-boards and bridge-plates must be provided, as needed.
          ~ Charge or water a battery or change a fuel tank only in designated locations. Battery Acid spills may

             need to be reported to management.

          ~ Use protective equipment when changing batteries or handling electrolyte. Equipment includes: safety

             glasses, neoprene gloves, apron, chemical face shield and steel toed safety shoes. Hoisting

             equipment must be provided for changing batteries, and spill cleanup equipment must be accessible

             for spilled electrolyte.
          ~ Always use the seat belt.
          ~ Inspect forklifts at the beginning of each work-shift.
          ~ Inform your supervisor if you are taking any medications that may impact your ability to use the forklift.

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Safety and Overhead Guards

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          ~ High Lift Rider trucks must be fitted with an overhead guard, unless operating conditions do not permit.

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          ~ If the type of load presents a hazard, fork trucks will be equipped with a vertical load backrest

             extension.

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Vehicle Requirements

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          ~ Restraint systems such as seat belts must be worn at all times when vehicles are equipped with them.

          ~ Inspect equipment at the beginning of each user's shift.
          ~ Ensure defective equipment is immediately removed from service (including all electric, mechanical

             and hydraulic components) and repaired by authorized personnel before reuse.
          ~ All trucks must be labeled with the truck weight and attachment weight and the maximum

             elevation allowed. This label should be maintained in a legible and readable condition.
          ~ Modifications to vehicles are not allowed without manufacturer’s written approval.
          ~ Where provided on EE or EX rated PITs, the cover of the battery compartment must be closed and

             locked.
          ~ Platforms attached to the forks for elevating personnel must have guardrail systems on all sides. Fall

             protection may be required in addition to the guardrail system.

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