SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT (Forklift Operation) Authorized By: _________________________
Rev: 1 04/12/2024 |
Logo Placeholder |
COMPANY DETAILS | ||
Name: XXX | ABN: XXX | Address: XXX |
TASK NAME / ACTIVITY | Forklift Operation |
SITE / PROJECT NAME | XXX |
CODES OF PRACTICE | ||
Hazardous manual tasks | Managing risks of falls at workplaces | Managing the risks of plant in the workplace |
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT | ||||||||
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HIGH RISK CONSTRUCTION WORK | ||
Risk of a person falling more than 2 metres | Work on a telecommunication tower | Demolition of load-bearing structure |
Likely to involve disturbing asbestos | Work on or near pressurised gas mains or piping | Work in or near a confined space |
Work in or near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5m or a tunnel | Use of explosives | Temporary load-bearing support for structural alterations or repairs |
Work in or near water or liquid that involves a risk of drowning | Work on or near energised electrical installations or services | Work that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere |
Tilt-up or precast concrete elements | Diving work | Work in an area with movement of powered mobile plant |
Work in areas with artificial extremes of temperature | Work on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines | Work on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor in use by traffic other than pedestrians |
Job / Task | Hazards / Risks | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Planning and Preparation | Inadequate planning, lack of communication | Medium |
Conduct a site-specific risk assessment. Ensure all personnel are briefed on the SWMS. Confirm communication protocols are in place. |
Low | Site Supervisor |
Pre-Operational Checks | Property damage/personal injury due to inspection/maintenance of forklift not being carried out | High |
The first forklift operator to use the forklift (each day or each shift where more than one shift per day) will carry out a full pre use visual inspection to identify any damage, leaks etc. with details of the inspection to be recorded |
Low | Forklift Operator |
Operator error | Medium | Verify operator holds a valid license. | Low | Site Supervisor | |
Site Inspection | Uneven surfaces | Medium | Mark and clear uneven surfaces. | Low | Site Supervisor |
Obstructions | Medium | Clear any obstructions from the work area. | Low | All Persons | |
Loading and Unloading | Load instability | High | Use appropriate attachments and secure loads. | Medium | Operator |
Falling objects | High | Ensure loads are properly secured. | Medium | Operator | |
Operating the Forklift | Collision | High | Follow designated travel paths and maintain safe speed. | Medium | Operator |
Tipping over | High | Use seat belts and adhere to load limits. | Medium | Operator | |
Forklift operated by unauthorized and/or unqualified person | Medium |
Forklift to be operated by qualified, authorized personnel, holding a high risk work licence for fork lift operation |
Low | Site Supervisor | |
Interaction with Pedestrians | Injury to workers, property damage | High |
• Establish exclusion zones and use spotters. • Speed limit to be adhered to • All safety devices to be working • All loads to be secured • Only palletized loads to be shifted with the fork lift. Do not pace items directly on the fork arms. They are liable to slide off. Use pallets at all times. |
Low | All Persons |
Parking and Securing the Forklift | Unauthorized use | Medium | Remove keys and secure the forklift. | Low | Operator |
Roll-away | Medium | Apply the parking brake and lower the forks. | Low | Operator | |
Maintenance and Repairs | Equipment failure | High | Follow a regular maintenance schedule. | Low | Maintenance Personnel |
Personal injury/property damage due to safety requirements not being observed | High |
• Do not place hands or any parts of body through the mast • Do not stand between the mast and the load • Do not stand on the tynes and / or load • Do not exceed safe weight limit • Do not operate with unstable loads • Do not use damaged pallets • Do not lower load when other workers are in the immediate vicinity • Operate forklift with load and tynes as low as possible to increase operators field of vision • Operate forklift within nominated speed limits • Where practical operate in a forward direction • Maintain a safe distance from other plant • Operate steering and brake smoothly when load is elevated • Ensure all safety devices are working correctly • Remove key from forklift when unattended or not in use • Do not allow passengers to ride on forklift • Do not operate forklift in proximity of overhead power cables |
Low | Maintenance Personnel | |
Property damage and/or personal injury due to periodic maintenance not being carried out | Medium | Periodic maintenance to be carried out by a competent person | Low | Maintenance Personnel |
Worker Sign off | Worker Sign off | ||
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