Forklift Safety And Warehouse Housekeeping

Forklifts are used in various environments. They are exposed to shrink wrap, banding materials and other debris from the manufacturing and warehouse process, which makes housekeeping important to the safe and proper operation of a forklift.

Warehouse Housekeeping

OSHA CFR1910.143(a)(3) Housekeeping.
All places of employment shall be kept clean to the extent that the nature of the work allows.

Plastic banding material is intended to secure heavy loads, but when it wraps around a forklift’s wheels and axles, it can put significant strain on brake lines, parking systems, steering components, axle seals, and bearings. Forklift damage from floor debris can lead to serious or even fatal accidents. Just one piece of banding can compromise critical brake or steering systems, increasing the risk of operators losing control of heavy equipment, with potentially life-threatening consequences.

Ground Clearance Of Forklifts

Ground clearance of forklifts is generally kept to a minimum for stability concerns. This makes it easy for materials on the floor to get caught in rotating assemblies. 

The cooling system is designed to draw air from the floor beneath the forklift, channel it through the radiator, and release it out the back. This process can create a vacuum effect, pulling in debris like shrink wrap and dust into the mechanisms and radiator, which may lead to damage and overheating.

Overheating Your Forklift

Another regulation, OSHA CR1910.178(q)(9), advises it is illegal to operate an overheating forklift. This statement applies to housekeeping because when the forklift is overheating, it does not meet UL classification. It can become a source of ignition for other materials or a fire hazard itself.

Housekeeping within your warehouse and the removal of floor debris hazards matters to everyone’s safety. Keep safety awareness strong with regular training. Learn more about our available safety training classes, or contact a safety specialist to schedule training.