In this Fall 2005 IVES Update Newsletter edition features “So it is Written… Not!”, a question on pre-tests, hand signals, stability, some tragic accident reports and much more…
So it is Written…NOT!
Well, I guess it’s that time again when I go on my monthly rant about regulations. Actually, it’s more people’s perception of regulations that I would like to address here than the regulations themselves.
Don’t get me wrong, I like regulations and think they are a good thing, but too many people I talk to are just so wrapped up in them that they lose sight of the intent or spirit of the wording because they are too busy focusing on the literal meaning of words. I think we would all be much better off, and safer, if we left literal translations for the lawyers to battle over while we concentrate on safety and health.
I’m sure that each of you has had a conversation like this when training:
You – “When you are driving with a load that blocks your view, you should drive in reverse so you can get a clear view of where you are going.”
Trainee – “Where does it say that in the regulations?”
You – “I’m not really sure. I’ll try to find out for you later, but do you really need to see a regulation telling you that you should keep a clear view of where you are going?”
Trainee – “Yes”
You – “How come?”
Trainee – “Because if it isn’t in the regulations, then we don’t have to do it.”
Sound familiar? The above “conversation” is typical of an individual/employer/culture that is more concerned with seeing it in writing than with simply doing the right thing … a very dangerous state to be in. So what do you fire back with? Well, let’s talk about a few things you could use.
First, you could refer to general duty wording. In fact, if anyone wants to memorize regulations chapter and verse, they should start with general duty wording. Why? Because after it is memorized and understood, you can stop … it’s really the only regulatory wording that anyone needs to know because, in essence, it usually points to eliminating anything identified as hazardous, whether there is a regulation about it or not.
Next, let’s talk about industry standards like ANSI, NFPA, SAE, etc. Look at how many standards like these are referenced by your local regulations and I think you will be surprised. Did you know that all of the mandatory wording in a Last, and by no stretch of the imagination least, what does the company have to say about it? Under regulation, company policy is as enforceable as any regulation, as long as the policy does not cancel out the regulation; only a regulatory variance granted by the appropriate regulatory agency can do that. Remember, if the company has recognized a local hazard and actually gone to the extent of implementing a policy about it, then the policy is enforceable under general duty wording in the regulations.
As you can see, just because a particular hazard is not specifically addressed by a written regulation, it does not mean that it can be overlooked. Whenever something is found to present a hazard at a given workplace, steps must be taken immediately to eliminate or control the hazard… regulation or not.
And by the way, driving (a forklift) with an obstructed view is addressed by most regulations, industry standards (ANSI) and manufacturers, so that ought to stop your trainee from taking you to the wall! Now, loaders on the other hand …
Ask Bob
Bob,
Some people come to my classes with real attitude issues, mostly thinking they know everything. Usually by an hour or so in, they realize they don’t know everything, but how can I straighten them out right away?
Dale
Dear Dale,
I’ve got two words for you: pre-test. Quite often, trainees honestly believe that they know everything and do not think that you can teach them anything. A pre-test is a great way to set them straight right off the bat. Once they realize that they actually can learn something, they usually settle down and do just that.
Bob
Bob,
Is there a standard set of hand signals for guiding forklifts and cranes?
Terry
Dear Terry,
Yes, there is. They can be found in ANSI/ASME B30.5 for Locomotive and Mobile Cranes. I don’t know of any hand signals developed specifically for forklifts, but you could possibly adapt the crane signals. I have always found they work well for variable reach rough terrain forklifts or telehandlers. You can also get them in the Rigger’s Handbook, which you can order from us.
Bob
What’s Your Instructor IQ?
Test your knowledge by answering the following:
- Boom-supported aerial work platforms in most areas must be designed, constructed and operated in accordance with ANSI/SIA A92.5. What do the letters “SIA” stand for in the title of the standard?
- Is there any way to legally make modifications to equipment without the written consent of the manufacturer?
Check out the next edition of the Ives Update for the answers. Good luck!
Answers to “What’s Your Instructor IQ” (Summer Edition 2005)
- What should the operator of a boomlift or scissor lift do if the platform will not lower under power or gravity?
The operator should inform emergency/ground personnel. That means an operator should have some means of contacting emergency personnel, like a cell phone or radio or even yelling down to a spotter if possible.
- What is one way that you can tell whether a forklift is considered a class 7, vertical mast, rough terrain-type or a large, class 5, counterbalanced-type?
Usually, if you look on the unit’s capacity/data plate it will list the ASME standard that it conforms with. If it is a class 5, it lists ASME B56.1, and if it is a class 7, it will list ASME B56.6. standard that is referenced by a regulation becomes “incorporated by reference” and as such is enforceable by regulation? Wild, wild stuff. By the way, mandatory wording is wording like “must” and “shall” rather than “should” or “may.” Now, what about the manufacturer’s recommendations? There isn’t a regulation or standard that I have ever read, and I have read a few, that has not contained wording that states all of the manufacturer’s recommendations/directions must be followed. As a side note, I have always found manufacturers and dealers to be a very rich source of information, and besides, who knows the equipment better than the people who built it?
Feel the Lines of Stability
“How do you know when you are near the lines of stability?”
I was just conducting a program the other day, when someone asked, “How do you know when you are on or past the lines of stability?” and I think I came up with an answer.
What a fantastic question, to which there is unfortunately no fantastic answer I could give except … ever been on an amusement ride that tilts more than it feels like it should and you get the feeling that without the restraint device that is always there, you would surely tip out? Now, ever had a load way up in the air on your forklift and hit a small hole in the yard or tilted the mast forward too quickly? That feeling you got in the pit of your stomach that made your whole body tense up for a moment—EXCITING, wasn’t it?
That is the best explanation I have been able to come up with. It is simply a feeling, not really a definition. I am sure there are some technical answers out there, but I have noticed most of the operators I deal with are not truly “technical” people. Since all the technical information that has to do with stability refers mostly to things you can’t see or touch (e.g., lines of stability, CG, etc.), I find it more effective to put things in “human” terms that people may relate to better.
If someone wants to know, I may ask the group, “Has anyone ever accidentally hit the tilt lever while the mast is elevated, even without a load? Usually, someone always answers “yes,” to which I reply, “Did you get that that light, unstable feeling that you and the machine just might go over? And how long was it before your foot stopped shaking on the pedal?”
Now, how did I get my taste for the lines of stability? Real simple: 1) Driving too fast, and 2) turning too sharp. Yes, my experience was on two wheels, and it was a feeling I did not care for. I got lucky and landed back on four wheels instead of none. I tested and felt the lines of stability, as I (the center of gravity of my machine) had been on the line but did not cross it.
I wish there was a better way to explain this concept, but for me, feeling is the only way I understand. Be safe and absolutely do not attempt to get on or near the lines of stability.
Accident Report
AERIAL BOOMLIFT OPERATOR ELECTROCUTED
A 39-year-old worker was electrocuted while operating a boomlift at a construction site. The victim was operating the lift vehicle when his body touched high-voltage power lines, killing him instantly. He was working alone high above the street where some town homes were being constructed, trying to get extra work done before he went home for the night. Evidently, he was on the lift, he was backing it up, and his back touched one of the power lines carrying more than 7,000 volts of electricity. Some people working around him got him down.
Medics were called and he was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. Police say the power company found no evidence of malfunctioning electrical equipment or wiring.
Remember to be keenly aware of live wires and always observe the minimum safe approach distances. – Ed.
PEDESTRIAN STRUCK AND KILLED BY FORKLIFT
A man is dead after being run over by a large forklift at work. It happened during the night shift at a lumber company. Both police and a local spokesperson said the victim was struck by a forklift carrying lumber. They’re calling it a tragic industrial accident.
The 44-year-old man had worked at the lumber company for about four years. Police said the forklift operator may not have even known he hit the man, because the forklifts used are larger than average and the forklift had a large load of lumber.
He leaves behind a wife and four kids. Authorities are investigating the accident.
Always drive with a clear view of the path of travel and watch out for pedestrians. – Ed.
Not-So-Great Moments in Training
This is a new feature designed to lighten things up a bit and give us all an opportunity to poke a little fun at ourselves. Whether this becomes a regular feature depends on the responses we get from you. Do you have a not-so-great moment in training? Send it to us and we will share it with your fellow trainers. Don’t worry, we won’t use your name if you don’t want us to!
Hot Work!
The pulp mill I work at has a very loud signal horn for announcing breaks and shift changes. Fortunately, the horn is located at a relatively remote area of the compound so that it can be heard without blowing your head off. One day I was forced to use a room for some loader training that was located much closer to the horn than I was used to. I had a (very) hot cup of coffee in my hand as I was teaching the class and the lunch signal blew just as I was raising my cup to take a drink. Well you can probably guess the rest. Suffice to say that I had to be taken to the first aid room and treated (I actually sustained 1st-degree burns to my neck and chest!), and of course the class was cancelled for the day.
When we got around to finishing the class, I requested a room as far away from that horn as I could get. When I got there, the guys had placed fire extinguishers every few feet around the room (not the same room) and somebody had placed a “Hot Work” decal on my coffee mug… real funny, and embarrassing
JIM SMITH APPOINTED AS IVES’ DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING
Jim brings to the Ives Training Group extensive experience in structuring highly successful sales teams. He is a sales and marketing expert who believes in strategies that involve a well-planned approach and extremely focused effort. This involves the delivery of exceptional service to existing clients as well as attracting new customers. As Director of Sales and Marketing for the Ives Training Group, Jim is involved in the development of fresh, new approaches to the training marketplace. Prior to joining Ives, Jim worked with the growth and sales of several technology-based corporations. Under his guidance, one such company grew from a completely unknown entity to the number one supplier of construction project information in the country. The company took in excess of 60% of the market share from the previous leading player, who had dominated that market for years. Most recently, Jim has developed the sales arm of a prominent communications company and played a key role in securing a multi-million dollar contract with one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world. Jim sees many exciting opportunities for the Ives Training Group. As a highly respected leader in the mobile equipment training industry, there are so many possibilities to bring Ives’ expertise to an extremely large potential market. With over 11,000 certified instructors already under the Ives umbrella, you can expect to see a lot more in the years to come. Welcome aboard, Jim!!
Western WA Regional Forklift Rodeo a Smashing Success
On Saturday, August 13, the Washington Governor’s Industrial Safety & Health Advisory Board held the Western Washington Regional Forklift Rodeo. The event was hosted by the Boeing Company at their Oxbow facility just south of Seattle, WA, and what a fantastic job Boeing did of hosting.
Approximately 250 spectators gathered to watch 22 competitors and several teams vie for cash prizes and the title of Western Regional Champ, as well as the opportunity to move on to compete in the State Championship next month in Tacoma, WA.
Beautiful weather, free BBQ and refreshments, draw prizes and some spirited competition all made for a day of fun and exhilaration for everyone involved.
When the dust cleared at the end of the day, the winners were: 1st place – Tim Eacrett of Boeing; 2nd place – Mike Weinmann of Boeing; 3rd place – Andrew Wahl of Portionables.
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