Most workplaces share their floor between trucks and people on foot. The rules in paragraph (n) of the standard are about moving safely among them, and about the places that are most dangerous: ramps, docks, crossings and corners.
General rules of travel
- Obey traffic rules and speed limits of the workplace. Keep a safe distance from the truck ahead, which is about three truck lengths ((n)(1)).
- Look in the direction of travel and keep a clear view of the path ((n)(6)). If the load blocks the view, travel in reverse or use a spotter, as your site rules say.
- Operate at a speed that lets you stop safely under all conditions ((n)(8)).
- Slow down for turns, and steer with smooth, sweeping movements ((n)(15)). Fast turns are a common cause of tip-overs.
- Slow down on wet or slippery floors ((n)(10)).
- Avoid running over loose objects on the floor ((n)(14)). They can upset the truck or throw the load.
- No stunt driving or horseplay ((n)(9)).
- Do not pass another truck at an intersection, a blind spot or any other dangerous place ((n)(3)).
- Give the right of way to ambulances, fire trucks and other vehicles in an emergency ((n)(2)).
Pedestrians
Pedestrian traffic is a subject the training must cover for the workplace. A truck cannot stop quickly, and the operator often cannot see a person close to it.
- At cross aisles and where your view is blocked, slow down and sound the horn ((n)(4)).
- Make eye contact with a pedestrian before you move. Do not assume that a person has seen or heard you.
- Use the marked walkways, mirrors and warning lights your site provides.
- Never drive toward a person who is standing in front of a fixed object ((m)(1)).
- Pedestrians must stay clear of trucks, never walk under raised forks and never ride on a truck.
Ramps and grades
- On a grade of more than 10 percent, a loaded truck must travel with the load upgrade ((n)(7)(i)). That means driving forward up a ramp with a load, and backward down it.
- Keep the load tilted back and raised only as high as needed to clear the surface ((n)(7)).
- Avoid turning on a ramp. A turn on a slope moves the center of gravity toward the edge of the stability triangle.
- Keep a safe distance from the edge of a ramp or platform ((m)(6)).
Docks, trailers and elevators
- Before loading or unloading a trailer, set the brakes of the trailer and place wheel chocks. Where a semitrailer is not coupled to a tractor, fixed jacks may be needed ((m)(7), (k)(1) and (k)(3)). Many employers add a vehicle restraint or light signals.
- Check the floor of the trailer for weakness before driving in ((m)(7)).
- Dockboards and bridge plates must be secured before you drive over them. Cross slowly and never exceed their rating ((n)(11)).
- Keep a safe distance from the edge of a dock. Do not use a truck to open or close freight doors ((m)(6)).
- Approach an elevator slowly and enter it squarely once the car is level, then neutralize the controls, shut off the power and set the brakes ((n)(12)).
Overhead clearance
Pay attention to overhead installations, lights, pipes and sprinkler heads: there must be enough headroom for the mast and the load ((m)(8)). Watch for doorways and for racking beams.
Fire aisles
Keep fire aisles, access to stairways and fire equipment clear at all times ((m)(14)). Do not park a truck or leave pallets there.
Key points
- Slow down, look where you are going and sound the horn at blind corners and cross aisles.
- Loaded trucks go with the load uphill on grades over 10 percent.
- Brakes set and wheels chocked at docks. Boards secured.
- Pedestrians and trucks must be kept apart wherever possible.