Identify potential workplace hazards
General information for all HRW safety.
The most important aspect of EWP operations is safety. As an EWP operator you must be aware that there are always people working around you and if there was an accident they may be injured. It would be a terrible burden to have on your conscience that your workmate was injured by an accident that you could have prevented.
EWP safety has a very high profile in Australia. These accidents can be prevented only if companies and individuals realise the implications of these accidents and take steps to prevent them from happening.
Each workplace has its own specific workplace hazards. It is important to be aware of these hazards and what workplace policies and/or site specific procedures have been implemented to control them. The best way for an individual to be made aware of these hazards is to consult with appropriate personnel.
How can you identify workplace hazards?
The first and most important step in reducing the likelihood of an accident is hazard identification. This means identifying all workplace situations or events that could cause injury or illness. There are many methods which are useful for identifying hazards, including consultation with the following:
- Safety officers • Managers • OHS Committee members
- Supervisors • Colleagues • Health and Safety Representatives
As an EWP operator it is important to inspect the workplace and identify any hazards before starting work. The follow are some of the most common hazards.
- Plant and equipment – Other forklifts, pallet jacks, vehicles etc. may be operating in the area.
- Obstructions – Loose stock, bollards, building supports, rubbish or anything that’s in the way.
- Dangerous materials -Flammable, explosive, poisonous or corrosive materials stored, used or present in the area.
- Pedestrians and personnel – May include other personnel (employees) or the public or both.
- Overhead service lines – Lights, fire sprinkler systems, air con ducts, gas pipes, water pipes, sewerage pipes, cable trays, etc.
- Surrounding Structures and Buildings – Site sheds, separate warehouses or other businesses operating in the area.
- Electrical Power lines – May include domestic or transmission lines.
- Lighting /illumination – When working at night or in darkened areas, you MUST have adequate lighting across the entire working area so that the forklift can safely conduct its operations.
- Wind, bad weather conditions – Hazardous weather may include rain, strong winds, lightning storms etc. Operating an EWP in windy conditions can cause uncontrollable boom movements, the EWP can tip over and cause objects to fall.
If the wind speed ever exceeds the manufacturer’s specifications you should cease work immediately.
You can find the maximum wind velocity that an EWP is capable of safely operating in by the EWP data plate, on the EWP or within the manufacturer’s specifications. - Constant/loud noise – Often due to other machinery being used in the area.
- Confined Space/Restricted Area – Confined spaces (or restricted areas)
Identifying hazard control measures
The correct course of action once a hazard is identified is to use control measures. These generally fall into three categories. You can
- eliminate the hazard
- minimise the risk
- use ‘back-up’ controls when all other options in the previous categories have been exhausted
The best way to control a hazard is to eliminate it. The elimination of a hazard is the first choice in a system called the ‘hierarchy of controls’.
The Hierarchy of Hazard Control
Once a hazard has been identified a driver must use the appropriate control measures to eliminate or reduce the risk of the hazard. The Hierarchy of Hazard Control (below) outlines the different types of control measures that may be used.
The list of control measures is in order of preference e.g.
- point 1. Elimination is always the safest option but may not always be practical,
- while point 6. PPE is seen as “a last line of defence” if other measures fail.
A driver must use the safest and most practical control measure or combination of control measures possible.
Since this is known as a “Hierarchy” the order is important.
To help you remember the correct order use the saying, “Every Sunday I Eat Apple Pie”
E-S-I-E-A-P being the first letters of each level in the Hierarchy.
When a potential hazard is identified by an operator, there may already be control measures in place. If this is the case the driver must ensure the control measures that are in place are appropriate for the hazard identified.
Control measures
There are dangers and risk of injury to any individual in the vicinity of an operating forklift truck, including pedestrians or site personnel. Control measures should be applied before commencing any task and as soon as a hazard has been identified.
A EWP operator must ensure that individuals are made aware of these hazards and appropriate control measures implemented prior to conducting any work. Otherwise people may be seriously injured or crushed.
These may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Warning signs and barricades
These relate to the use of any warning signs which alert pedestrians and site personnel of hazards associated with the use of a forklift truck and physical barriers which are used to segregate pedestrians and site personnel from the working area. - Flag person
This is an individual who is responsible guiding the flow of traffic to minimise the risk of colliding with other plant, pedestrians and other vehicles. - Traffic control measures
This relates to directing the flow of traffic and assigning designated areas and the segregation of pedestrians and site personnel from the working area. - Flashing hazard lights
These are usually visual warning devices on the EWP which alert pedestrians and site personnel.
The above list of control measures can also be applied to the use of vehicles and mobile plant when an EWP is being operated.
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is designed to provide protection and limit damage for individual workers. It is important that you are aware that PPE is not designed to prevent injury, it simple helps to avoid damage.PPE must be supplied by your employer and you must be trained to fit and use it correctly. The types of PPE required will be determined during the planning stage of the task.
All PPE must be inspected for serviceability prior to use.
Selecting an appropriate forklift truck Types of Forklift Trucks
There are many different types of elevating work platforms. Depending on the job and the work area you may need to use a certain type of equipment. It is very important to use the correct type of equipment ensuring that the platform is rated for the operator(s), tools and equipment required for the task.
Self-propelled telescoping boom EWP
These EWPs are self–propelled units for use on flat slabs or firm unsealed areas. The work platform is elevated using a straight extension (telescoping) boom.
Trailer mounted EWP with knuckle style boom.
Rated Platform Capacity and Working Load Limit (WLL)
