In this Spring 2003 IVES Update Newsletter edition, we’ll cover What is Documentation?, a question on powered pallet trucks, OSHA news on crane and derrick safety construction standard, accident reports and much more.
What is Documentation?
Documentation is an original, official record relied on as the basis of proof in support of something. It is a written understanding, memorializing any conversation and/or action that has taken place.
Why Document?
Every organization, or individual, that provides training is required to have all training properly documented as testament that, firstly, the training took place, and secondly, the training fully complied with all applicable regulatory requirements.
Keep in mind that complete documentation is of paramount importance when litigation arises. Simply giving verbal testimony as to what took place is not good enough in a court of law. Thorough, accurate and complete documentation is often the factor upon which judgments are based, because the written document is credible and defendable.
If documentation is subpoenaed into a court of law (which it can be), it will be placed under a “microscope” and searched for inaccuracies and/or mistakes, in an attempt to raise doubts regarding an instructor’s credibility and expertise. Documentation found to be inaccurate can discredit the instructor, their training, and possibly pass liability onto the employer.
As a responsible instructor, you must always take time to make detailed, accurate and complete documentation an integral part of each and every training session.
The job is not complete until the paperwork is finished! Remember, attempting to build a solid paper trail, or document past training after the need arises, is like trying to buy life insurance at the funeral.
Client Profile: IKEA
When the Ives group of companies first appeared 22 years ago as Ives and Associates, the high level of training hat we offered was mistakenly viewed as excessive and only the most progressively minded companies chose to exceed the basic minimum training requirements of the day. IKEA was, and is, such a company.
IKEA was Ives’ first customer and remains one of our most valued clients to this day. Anybody who has ever visited one of the 24 IKEA locations throughout North America knows what a remarkably unique experience it can be. With its colorful displays and imaginative products, the forward thinking that has kept IKEA at the leading edge of innovative and creative home furnishing design is clearly evident when one walks through the store. In a word, visiting an IKEA store is fun.
However, the dazzling visual extravaganza and electric atmosphere of an IKEA store does not just happen, it is the result of untold hours of ongoing training and effort invested by each and every employee.
From a material handling perspective, an IKEA location holds many challenges to the lift truck operator instructor – not the least of which is the daunting task of dealing with the high amount of traffic in and around the facility while keeping a massive inventory at a level that will allow for a high degree of operational efficiency. In other words, operators must be trained to load an unload product coming in and going out, as well as replenish stock on the floor and in the warehouse at a very brisk rate. All the while, operators must be constantly assessing the safest and most efficient routes to take in this demanding environment.
It sounds like an impossible task, but remember that IKEA is known for its uncanny ability to consistently think “outside of the box.” When it comes to training their lift truck operators, IKEA has taken the time to study its material handling processes to identify potential hazards within the system and take corrective action to minimize and/or eliminate them.
The lift truck operator training at all of IKEA’s North American locations is the result of the successful merging of the Ives system of training and the comprehensive corporate policies of IKEA. The result is an extremely detailed and localized training program that is delivered by the company’s in-house instructors who are certified through Ives.
IKEA’s usual commitment to constant improvement and uniform administration provides them with a material handling training system that is as successful in its own way as their success in providing affordable and original home furnishings and accessories has been.
Ives is very happy to be the training provider of choice for the material handling needs of a leading-edge company like IKEA North America and we look forward to continuing our relationship.
since its founding in 1943, IKEA has offered a wide range of home furnishings and accessories of good design and function, at prices so low that the majority of people can afford them. IKEA is recognized as a socially responsible company and continuously supports initiatives that benefit causes such as children and the environment. Currently, IKEA has 165 stores in 31 countries, including 15 stores in the United States and 9 stores in Canada.
Ask Bob
Dear Bob,
We have two groups of instructors at our facility who have been instructed by two different trainers. I personally believe there is no right or wrong answer to this question, but felt I needed to get confirmation in writing.
My question is, unless your view is obstructed, is there a right or wrong way of operating the powered pallet jack?
One of our instructors, who recently gained instructor status, believes that since the operator compartment is considered the front of the truck, the lift truck has to be driven with the forks trailing. It is my understanding that the truck can be operated in either direction, provided the operator has a clear view of his or her path of travel. Can you please clarify this issue for me?
I am also curious concerning the 3-point mount/dismount. Provided an operator mounts/dismounts in a safe and careful manner, do the regulations require them to use the 3-point option? I have checked every regulation I could and cannot find the 3-point mount/dismount requirement.
Thank you,
Ken
Dear Ken,
In regards to the direction of travel when operating a pallet truck, it is sound operating practice that the truck be operated with the forks trailing. This is primarily due to the operating characteristics of the truck. For example, in ANSI/ASME B56.1 (2000) Section 5.3.20(h), it states, “Be cautious when traveling in reverse (load end leading) due to steering characteristics.” It goes onto state at 5.3.20(g), “Be careful of drive end swing when turning while operating with load end leading,” meaning there is more of a chance of the operator being thrown from the machine during a turn when it is operated in this manner.
The 3-point mounting and dismounting procedure is an industry recommendation rather than a regulation or a standard. It is widely used for one reason: if you lose one point of contact, you have back-up there to prevent a serious injury from occurring.
I hope that helps,
Bob
Dear Bob,
My question is more of a safety question concerning aerial lifts. Our maintenance department has about seven aerial lifts of different sizes. They store their equipment in a warehouse and always leave the platform extended in the air. My concern is losing hydraulic fluid and maybe causing the platform to come down suddenly. Could this happen?
Dear Larry,
There is precious little in the regulations concerning this matter, and even the applicable ANSI standard (A92.5) says to lower the platform or block it up only if repairs/adjustments are being made. Usually, the manufacturer’s operator manual says not to leave the platform up when parking … usually.
As far as we (Ives) are concerned, you should always lower the platform when not in use, because there is always the chance that the hydraulic pressure could be released and bring it down, which could cause injury or death. At the very least, a platform that is to be left elevated and unattended for a prolonged period of time should be mechanically blocked to prevent unintentional platform descent.
I hope that helps,
Bob
Dear Bob,
I have always recommended that propane be stored in cages outside the plant. Recently, one of my clients had their cage broken into and propane cylinders stolen. Is it permissible to store propane inside the plant as long as it is in a well-ventilated area and a no smoking sign is posted?
Thanks
Gary
Dear Gary,
The storage and handling of LPG shall be in accordance with NFPA Storage and Handling of LPG (NFPA No.58-1969). The storage of LPG cylinders in a building is not approved. However, certain uses are permitted:
For temporary demonstration purposes, and
For special applications that are covered by the local fire regulations.
Cylinders should be stored outside of buildings in a well-ventilated area, or in a detached structure intended for this purpose only. Adequate ventilation must be provided at floor level (lowest point).
I hope that helps,
Bob
Clark Buyout Collapses
Clark Material Handling Company’s deal with Sun Capital Partners Inc has collapsed, and most of its assets have been slated for auction.
Clark Material Handling had signed a reported USD 40 million sale agreement with Sun Capital of Boca Raton, Florida, on December 18, but the deal unraveled on December 23 when Sun Capital withdrew its offer. Sun Capital could not be contacted for comment.
While Clark’s financial situation was unchanged after Sun Capital’s withdrawal, the company’s debtors moved, according to court papers, “to expeditiously liquidate assets… in an orderly fashion so the highest value… may be realized.”
Court papers indicated Clark marketed its assets for more than two years to more than 100 entities to find a buyer. Clark’s most recent cash flow report showed that in November Clark had receipts of USD 2.79 million, disbursements of USD 2.935 million, and a negative cash flow USD 145,212.
OSHA Moves Forward with New Crane and Derrick Safety Construction Standard
WASHINGTON – OSHA will go forward with the negotiated rulemaking process to update its cranes and derricks standard in response to broad industry support for using that process to revise the standard, OSHA Administrator John Henshaw announced today.
The agency is publishing a proposed list of members to serve on the Crane and Derrick Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee. Through negotiation, the Committee will develop a proposed revision of the existing construction safety standards for the cranes and derricks. The public may submit comments on the proposed list of members.
“The negotiated rulemaking process is the most effective way to work with the parties that will be significantly affected by a final rule,” said Henshaw. “We look forward to working with stakeholders on an updated standard that addresses changes in technology and work processes.”
After evaluating comments on the proposed list of committee members, OSHA will then publish a final list, announce the establishment of the committee, and schedule the first committee meeting, which is expected in late spring.
OSHA published a notice of intent to establish a negotiated rulemaking committee in July 2002. In the announcement, the agency requested nominations for the committee and input on the appropriateness of using negotiated rulemaking to develop a crane and derrick proposed rule. The notice also outlined the negotiated rulemaking process and identified some anticipated issues for negotiation.
Notice of OSHA’s proposed list of committee members was scheduled to appear in the February 27, 2003 Federal Register and on OSHA’s web site under Federal Register Notices.
Written comments on the proposed committee may be submitted by March 31, 2003 to:
OSHA Docket Office
Docket No. S-030
U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue NW, Room N-2625
Washington, DC 20210
Comments 10 pages or fewer may be faxed to the OSHA Docket Office at telephone number (202) 693-1648. Comments may also be submitted electronically through OSHA’s homepage at ecomments.osha.gov.
Instructor Update
We wish to advise that, effective immediately, a new Combined Aerial Lifts Operator Practical Evaluation Form will be issued for all aerial equipment operator and instructor training programs and customer orders.
This revised version replaces the grey, legal-sized, equipment-specific evaluation forms previously used for evaluating operators of aerial boomlifts, aerial work platforms and bucket trucks.
To help make the transition from old to new go as smoothly as possible, instructions and tips on how to fill out this new form will accompany all orders relating to aerial lift equipment.
Notice
In an effort to maintain the high quality that you, “our customer,” have come to expect from us, we are continuously updating and revamping our material to stay true to the trust you have instilled in us. Over the coming months, you will notice a few subtle changes to the look of our materials. We are moving away from the green coloring presently displayed on the cover of our materials to a new, bolder blue coloring that is more in line with our traditional corporate colors.
While some materials are undergoing subtle changes, others like the boom truck, aerial work platform, aerial boomlift, mobile crane and carrydozer operator workbooks are undergoing larger scale changes. These newer versions will be available to you soon.
OSHA Increases Enforcement
OSHA is increasing its enforcement efforts with more inspections targeting workplaces where injury and illness rates are the highest. Agency administrator John L. Henshaw says OSHA plans to conduct 36,400 inspections up from 35,800 inspections the previous year.
In addition to targeting workplaces with the highest injury and illness rates and where there are known hazards, OSHA will put more enforcement focus on industries where non-English speaking workers are at the greatest risk, such as construction.
Henshaw says OSHA is committed to increasing its number of trained, certified inspectors to make its enforcement efforts more effective. “Consistent, focused enforcement is one of the keys to ensuring workers’ safety and health,” says Henshaw. “OSHA needs to keep helping the majority of employers who want to do the right thing, but we also must aggressively pursue the ‘bad actors.”’
Source: Job Safety & Health Quarterly
Accident Report
Elon, NC – A motorist passing by a bridge construction site was killed when a crane with a drilling attachment working in the median toppled over. The crane had been lifting a five-ton steel caisson, which later would have been filled with concrete to form a bridge support. When workers tried to lower the caisson into a deep hole in the median, the crane lost balance and tipped over at a 45-degree angle, taking the pipe down with it. The 16-foot-long caisson swung into oncoming traffic, landed on top of the motorist’s car, and crushed it; the driver was killed instantly. The contracting company brought another crane to the accident site to lift the caisson off the car and raise the toppled crane upright.
The company has been fined four times since 1987 for safety violations, according to OSHA records. Previous offences included violating a rule requiring the crane’s swing radius to be barricaded to protect employees. The company also was cited for failing to keep records of the crane’s design, maintenance, and inspections, the OSHA report read.
An engineer with the Department of Transportation was summoned to the site, where it was concluded that there were no apparent violations of highway work-zone safety rules.
Lift Equipment, December 2002
Jersey City, NJ – A forklift operator was arrested and charged with manslaughter for the alleged role in the death of his co-worker. The victim died from chest and head injuries after his forklift was tipped over by another forklift. “We’re trying to find out if they were fighting or just horsing around,” said the first assistant prosecutor. “But we did learn that apparently there was a dispute between the two men at the workplace prior to the incident. “ When police arrived on the scene, co-workers were attempting to give the victim CPR. He was taken to a local medical center where he died. Detectives learned that the accused tried to pick up the victim’s forklift with his machine, but instead knocked it over on its side and trapped the operator. According to investigators, the incident was a senseless death.
Jersey Journal (City Edition)
Calgary, AB - A city block could have been leveled after a forklift dropped a 1,000 pound (454 kilogram) propane tank on February 3. Police evacuated a city block and cordoned it off for more than an hour after gas began leaking from the tank, a Calgary Herald report said. “If this stuff had ignited, it could have destroyed a whole block. It would have created one massive fireball,” said a Calgary Fire Department spokesman. It was not clear how the propane tank cracked, but it was believed a worker was trying to move it using a forklift.
Calgary Herald
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