Forklifts, Powered Industrial Trucks and a Rodeo

The Department of Labor & Industries has conducted numerous inspections as the result of near-fatal exposures to carbon monoxide in industries using forklifts in warehouses and freezers.  High concentrations may be rapidly fatal without producing significant warning symptoms. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are also emitted in the combustion process and high levels may cause respiratory symptoms and severe health effects.

It is very important to establish and maintain correct carburetor balance of fueled equipment used indoors. By following the controls listed in this Hazard Alert, employers can help prevent a disaster from occurring.

• Where possible, substitute equipment that doesn't produce CO or NOx (e.g. electric forklifts).
• Ensure proper maintenance of forklifts to reduce emissions
• Use and maintain catalytic converters on forklifts where applicable (the tuning of engines and installation of catalytic converters can reduce both CO and NOx emissions)
• Install feedback fuel control systems to reduce emissions
• Do not allow forklifts to idle while waiting to resume operations
• Ensure proper ventilation of work areas
• Use CO sensors or alarms; conduct periodic sampling of the work area for CO and NOx
• Provide training to employees on the symptoms, sources, and prevention of CO and NOx poisoning

It is important to recognize that although adjustment of carburetor balance on fueled engines can reduce CO emissions to safe levels, over-adjustment can actually increase NOx emissions to hazardous levels. It is very important to establish and maintain correct carburetor balance of fueled equipment used indoors. By following the controls listed in this Hazard Alert, employers can help prevent a disaster from occurring. Read the full article.

Let Evergreen Safety Council help with Forklift Operator Training and Forklift Instructor Training.

YEEHAW!  15th Annual Forklift Rodeo

Presented by the Material Handling Committee of the Governor’s Industrial Safety & Health Advisory Board and the Department of Labor & Industries:
    •    June 9, 2012 – Central Regional Competition
    •    July 14, 2012 – Eastern Regional Competition
    •    August 18, 2012 – Western Regional Competition

The competition is limited to 30 drivers at each location. The top 5 individual competitors from each regional event will proceed to the finals held at the Governor’s Industrial Safety and Health Conference. Come witness the finals in a statewide competition that will include a written exam, pre-flight inspection and driving skills.  Register today.   Spectators are welcome free of charge.