Pedestrian industrial truck with scale in use
Pedestrian industrial trucks are industrial trucks that are controlled by a person walking along. This term includes, for example , pallet trucks and high lift trucks . The use of these devices is explained in more detail in DGUV Regulation 68 (previously BGV D27).
Safe operation
The risk and frequency of injury when using pedestrian-operated industrial trucks is high. The feet are particularly affected. Accidents can occur when the operator drives into the truck or is crushed between an obstacle, when a second person is driven into the truck or when loads slip or fall . Accidents can be avoided by following a few rules.
- Only suitable, trained and authorized persons may operate the device
- Wear safety shoes and possibly safety gloves
- Secure the device against unauthorized use - if available: remove the key
- observe operating instructions
- Exclude safety defects
- Observe the load capacity and do not exceed it
- Perform daily visual and functional inspection
- Safely pick up the load
- Drive safely and carefully
- Only use pedestrian-operated industrial trucks on level ground
Pick up the load safely : The condition of the load and its stability should be checked before picking it up. The load should also be picked up centrally, as lengthways as possible and close to the back of the fork. When driving, the load must not be lifted higher than the ground level. When loading and unloading at elevated locations (shelves), the pedestrian-operated industrial truck must be positioned exactly in front of the shelf, and driving in and out should only be done in a straight line. No one should ever be under the raised load. The load must also never be held by others while driving.
ATTENTION: The transport of persons on pedestrian-operated industrial trucks is prohibited!
acquisition and quality
When purchasing a pedestrian-operated industrial truck, in addition to suitability for the transport task and cost-effectiveness, the following requirements must also be taken into account:
- Ergonomic design
- Security
- Outdoor
- work platforms and attachments
- Proof of compliance with the EC Machinery Directive
pedestrian industrial trucks and forklift license
A forklift license is not required to operate pedestrian-operated industrial trucks. The legal basis for this can be found in the requirements of BGG 925 - Training and authorization of drivers of industrial trucks with a driver's seat and driver's stand. In section 1.2 "Scope of application" of BGG 925, industrial trucks that are operated by a driver who walks along (also known as a pedestrian) are exempted from the further requirements of the GB principle.
By the way: You don't need a forklift license to operate a pedestrian-operated industrial truck, as they have a maximum travel speed of 6 km/h. This means that there is a much lower risk potential than with a forklift.
Test
In addition to regular maintenance, pedestrian-operated industrial trucks must also be inspected at least once a year by a qualified person - the so-called annual pallet truck inspection . Written proof must be provided and kept at the place of operation. Attachments - work platforms or others - must also be inspected by a bag expert in accordance with the Industrial Safety Ordinance and DGUV Regulation 68, previously BGV D27, Section 37.
Pedestrian industrial trucks must be inspected every day before work begins. Here is a brief overview of the parts that should be checked:
- steering mirror
- tires and their air pressure
- hydraulic seal
- Lifting chains: even tension
- fork tine locks
- brakes
- securing the drawbar head
The most important things in brief - DGUV
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Operation: Pedestrian industrial trucks may be operated by persons who are suitable for this task and who have received theoretical and practical training and are authorized to do so
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Labor law obligations of employees: The operating instructions must be observed.
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Age restriction: The minimum age for operating pedestrian-operated industrial trucks is 15 years. For pedestrian-operated industrial trucks with a folding driver's platform that travel faster than 6 km/h, the age limit is 18 years.
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Most common accident risk: foot injuries.
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Prohibitions: Under no circumstances may people be transported on the forks; not even to transport people up and down a shelf to store goods. Forklift trucks may also not be used as scooters.
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Dirty and blocked traffic routes in the company: Clear and, if necessary, drive around bumps and holes to avoid the risk of tipping over.
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Safe transport: illuminate paths sufficiently and drive carefully - watch out for oncoming traffic, intersections or people
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Parking: Park with the forks fully lowered so that the pedestrian-operated truck does not pose an obstacle. Set the controls to OFF and remove the key if necessary. Do not park in front of emergency exits, escape routes, fire extinguishers or first aid facilities.
Finding the right companion
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