15. Self-propelled forklifts

Permission and / or authorisation

Drivers will have a driving permit, special training (at least 4 hours) and be over 18.
The Production Heads/Managers will establish, distribute and keep a list of qualified staff.

The shelves must have type plates with the information of the actual installation in clearly visible places.

– 5 km/h in indoor areas (equivalent to the normal walking speed).

– 10 km/h in outdoor areas (equivalent to the normal walking speed).

Before starting to use the forklift, drivers will check the correct operation of the forklift safety elements: lights, brakes, controls, acoustic signals, levels, state of wear, wheels, safety belt and general condition of the forklift (dents on the structure and gantry). In the event of an irregularity, drivers will not use the forklift.
Drivers are responsible for remaining at a safe distance from ground workers. If this distance is not guaranteed, or if a driver sees a worker approaching, he must stop the forklift immediately, and only resume the activity if the safety distance is respected.
Drivers will check that there is sufficient natural or artificial ventilation in confined areas. In the event of doubt, they should consult their supervisor.
Drivers must use the safety belt and never use their mobile phones.
In addition to the PPE stipulated in each area, drivers will wear high visibility clothing, safety footwear and gloves.
Preference will always be given to ground staff.
Forklift driving passageways will have a width equivalent to that the forklift + the width of the load + a distance of 0.5m from pedestrian walkways.

Check that the load is properly prepared (in particular, the state of the pallet, loose slabs) and that it will not collide with roofs, conduits, etc. The forklift will not carry any weight heavier than the weight permitted and the driver is responsible for knowing the limitations, in all cases respecting the load diagram stipulated by the manufacturer (this diagram is attached to the forklift). The counterbalancing weight must not be increased under any circumstances by adding extra loads to it and it is forbidden to transport people in the vehicle. Do not use the forklift to tow loads.
Place the load as close to the mast as possible. Slightly raise and tilt the mast backwards.
Use light and acoustic signals, thus indicating that the forklift is operating in the work area.
Do not allow anyone to stand near the forklift, and do not let anyone pass under the elevated load.
Fasten all loads that are not normally prepared and meant to be transported by forklift (e.g. pallets)
Do not leave the loads in areas that obstruct the movement of persons or vehicles (emergency exits, electrical room doors, fire hydrant, etc.).

Keep all body parts inside the forklift cabin.
It is totally forbidden to transport people in the forklift.
Do not use the forklift (like a pallet) to lift people.
Only manoeuvre the forklift from the driver’s seat.
Always operate the forklift with the fork clamp about 15 cm above the ground, with the mast tilted back completely. The majority of accidents where the vehicle overturns occur with the fork clamps elevated.
Always look in the direction you are travelling in.
If a load reduces your visibility, drive in reverse.
Floors must be firm, smooth and with an anti-skid surface (dump trucks are forbidden).
In bends with poor visibility, slow down, warning with the horn and brake and accelerate moderately.

Never attempt to turn around on a slope, there is an imminent risk that the vehicle will overturn. Always drive in a straight line, with the load in front of the driver (forward speed to go up and reverse to go down).
When driving behind a vehicle, maintain a minimum distance of three times the length of the forklift.

When entering and exiting the warehouse, the driver must clearly mark the route before reaching the border area.
The driver must pass through the central area and be positioned perpendicular to the entrance/exit, and turning , if necessary, prior to exiting/entering.
If there is a visibility problem due to a change in light, the driver must stop the forklift and wait until he/she regains full vision.

Park the forklift so that it is not a dangerous obstacle when stopping, even for a very short period of time. When finished the work, park the forklift in the space provided for it.
The fork clamp must be lowered, resting on the ground.
Turn off the engine and remove key. Never leave the forklift running without a driver.
Leave the gears in neutral and the handbrake on.

In combustion engines, do not smoke, do not use naked flame, turn off the engine. During refuelling, always maintain contact between the filling valve and the tank, in order to prevent sparks from static electricity discharge. Clean up any spilled fuel on the engine; do not turn the engine on until it is completely dry.
In electric engines, do not smoke, do not use naked flame. Do not place metal tools or parts on batteries, or near them. Always maintain the top part of the elements of the batteries dry and the terminals clean, properly screwed on and slightly smeared with Vaseline. Close the filler cap batteries before starting the forklift. Loading areas will be well ventilated to dilute the H2 gas emitted from the battery.
To handle the battery wear gloves and splash gogglesthat protect from corrosives,sulphuric acid electrolyte.

Cordoning chains will be put up to prevent accidents to workers.
The driver should only move the forklift forward once receiving orders from the person who attaches the Alligator clip.
The mast should be high enough so as not to hit against the top of the container.
The driver should not manoeuvre the forklift until the load has been unhooked by his fellow workers inside the container.

The material will be well packaged and strapped to prevent it from falling or overturning.
Staff cannot climb up on the fork clamps to unload the product onto the truck. This operation shall be carried out from the interior of the truck with the help of another colleague.