Page 29 - BOSS Today Issue 42

DOWN TO BUSINESS – HEALTH & SAFETY BOSS Today #42

n Qualifications: ensure that all drivers for your operation. You should always
receive proper and adequate training. configure the protection to be effective
Without these measures, you will put all at the point of most frequent damage.
employees at serious risk. n Load Notices: regular inspections should
n Routing Checks: just as you should be also include checks to make sure that
carrying out routine checks on your loading is correct and within the limits
pallet racking, you should also take the given on the Safe Working Load Notice
time to carefully examine the forklift and that this specifically applies to the
truck on a daily basis. Ensure that rack it is fixed to.
you check for any faults, particularly n Check For Safety Clips Or Locks: these
focusing on the brakes, steering, locks are generally installed on teardrop
controls, warning devices, masts and beams and help prevent beams from
tyres. accidentally dislodging. Look for
n Do Not Speed: drivers of fork lift trucks damaged or missing ones when you
should never exceed the designated inspect your rack.
speed limit. Corners and turns should n Annual Racking Inspections: although
be taken slowly to avoid tipping, while this is not a legal requirement,
coming to a stop should be gradual and employers who do not adhere to SEMA
slow. (Storage Equipment Manufacturers
n Inspect Your Racking: the only true way Association) guidelines would be legally
to understand that racks have been and morally responsible if there was
damaged and require replacement or an associated accident because the
repair is to inspect them frequently. employer did not ensure safety ‘so far as
n Install Rack Protection: all of the various is reasonably practicable’.
types of protection (bolted steel, floor-
anchored, button-on, poly snap-on) For more information, please contact the BPIF Health
can work: it’s a matter of what is best and Safety team.

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