Stock Picker Forklift

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Load Handling

The Workplace
Physical Conditions
Pedestrian Traffic
Ramps and Grades
Loading Docks
Narrow Aisles
Elevators
Enclosed Areas

Understanding the Workplace:
Narrow AislesConventional rack storage systems were designed for the counterbalanced lift truck which requires about a 12 ft (144 in) aisle width. Narrow aisle storage systems provide more storage space, but require reach trucks and order pickers to operate in much narrower aisle widths.

Reach Trucks

Figure 2. Reach truck with pantograph attachment that scissors forward from the mast to retrieve the pallet.

Reach trucks are a type of Class II electric motor narrow aisle truck. These trucks are used for high tiering, which involves storing material in multiple tiers high off the ground.
Potential Hazards:

Danger of overloading, especially on high lift.
Danger of tipover.

Requirements and Recommended Practices:

Check pallet weight before lifting.
Place heaviest loads on the bottom racks, and lighter loads on the top.
Do not exceed the load capacity of the lift truck with attachments such as a pantograph attachment. (Figure 2)
Do not lift the heaviest load to the maximum lift or stacking height. There may be a loss of stability.

Order Picker

Figure 3. Order picker operator using full body harness.

Order picker trucks are another type of Class II electric motor narrow aisle truck. These trucks are designed to lift the operator to retrieve items.
Potential Hazards:

Falling

Requirements and Recommended Practices:

Wear appropriate fall protection equipment that is properly fitted and adjusted. Ensure that employees are trained in the proper use of the fall protection equipment.

Additional Information:

OSHA strongly encourages the use of body harnesses on elevated platforms of powered industrial trucks. OSHA Standard Interpretation: Fall protection requirements for elevated platforms of powered industrial trucks; body belts versus harnesses. (June 28, 2004)

Safe Stacking Rules

Potential Hazards:

Falling loads
Tipover

Requirements and Recommended Practices:

Figure 4. Stored material stacked safely.

OSHA's Powered Industrial Truck Standard includes a series of rules for safe stacking:

Only stable or safely arranged loads shall be handled. Caution shall be exercised when handling off-center loads which cannot be centered. [29 CFR 1910.178(o)(1)]
Only loads within the rated capacity of the truck shall be handled. [29 CFR 1910.178(o)(2)]
The long or high (including multiple-tiered) loads which may affect capacity shall be adjusted. [29 CFR 1910.178(o)(3)]
Trucks equipped with attachments shall be operated as partially loaded trucks when not handling a load. [29 CFR 1910.178(o)(4)]
A load engaging means shall be placed under the load as far as possible; the mast shall be carefully tilted backward to stabilize the load. [29 CFR 1910.178(o)(5)]
Extreme care shall be used when tilting the load forward or backward, particularly when high tiering. Tilting forward with load engaging means elevated shall be prohibited except to pick up a load. An elevated load shall not be tilted forward except when the load is in a deposit position over a rack or stack. When stacking or tiering, only enough backward tilt to stabilize the load shall be used. [29 CFR 1910.178(o)(6)]

In addition, the following are recommended:

Move forks as far apart as the load will permit. Be sure the load is centered and the forks are completely under the load before lifting.
When stacking use only enough backward tilt to stabilize the load.

Types & Fundamentals | Operating the Forklift | Understanding the Workplace | Training Assistance

The SP Series 4-wheel platform stock picker is a heavy-duty stand-up lift truck used in areas where loads are bulky or extra long, such as furniture or department store warehouses. Complete required order picker training before operating the machine. OSHA considers an order.

Forklift should be driven in reverse, and the forks raised only enough to clear the surface. Use extra care when handling long lengths of bar stock, pipe, or other materials.
Koke Incorporated is the industry leader in Material Handling Equipment Manufacturers that include Forklift Accessories, Warehouse Equipment, and Safety Equipment. Manufactures an extensive line of quality materials handling devices designed specifically to make your industrial work environment safe and efficient.