OSHA Hazard Information Bulletins
Employees' Exposure to the Hazard of Being Struck or Run Over By the Wheels of Travel Lifts.
 OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletins - Table of Contents
- Information Date: 19860305
- Record Type: Hazard Information Bulletin
- Subject: Employees' Exposure to the Hazard of Being Struck or Run Over By the Wheels of Travel Lifts.
March 5, 1986
MEMORANDUM FOR REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS
| THRU: | JOHN B. MILES
Director
Directorate of Field Operations |
| |
| FROM: | EDWARD J. BAIER
Director
Directorate of Technical Support |
| |
| SUBJECT: | Safety Hazard Information Bulletin: Employees' Exposure to the Hazard of Being Struck or Run Over By the Wheels of Travel Lifts |
The Atlanta Regional Offices has brought to our attention a potential
serious safety hazard existing with the use of straddle carriers or travel
lifts in industrial yards. Three instances of fatalities have been noted
where employees in pre-stressed decking manufacturing yards were exposed to
the hazard of being struck or run over by the wheels of carriers traveling in
the forward or reverse direction. All fatalities occurred when employees were
crushed by wheels that were not within view of the operators. When a load is
carried, one or more of the wheels may become invisible from the operator's
station because the load itself obstructs visibility. A sketch of the
machine is attached for your information.
The OSHA Marine Terminals Standard 1917.43(g)(2)(iii) requires that straddle
trucks used in the vicinity of employees be equipped with personnel
deflecting guards around the leading edges of the front and rear wheels.
Section 1917.43(g)(3) of the same standard requires that visibility be
provided to the operator in all directions of movement. The OSHA
Construction Standard 1926.60 (a)(9)(i) requires that bi-directional material
handling equipment used for earth-moving be equipped with a horn
distinguishable from surroundings noise levels. Although this standard is
not specifically applicable to straddle carriers, it provides a feasible
method for alerting workers. The General Industry Standard, on the other
hand, addresses this kind of equipment if used in the sawmill industry.
Section 1910.265(c)(30(xi)(a) states, "Carriers shall be so designed and
constructed that the operator's field of vision shall not be unnecessarily
restricted."
Section 1910.265(d)(1)(ii)(i) requires that the movement of unloading
equipment be coordinated by audible or hand signals when an operator's vision
is impaired or when the equipment is operating in the vicinity of other
employees.
In addition to personnel deflecting guards, audible horns or alarms, and the
use of a signal or flagman suggested in the above standards, feasible methods
include:
(a) Visual warning devices to alert workers of the movement of the unit;
(b) Properly selected and mounted mirrors for the operator to observe areas
which are obstructed by the load.
Furthermore, training and good work planning to avoid travel in areas
congested with workers, and maintaining equipment in good condition are
necessary for safe operation.
We recommend that compliance and consultation personnel be aware of the
hazard addressed in this bulletin. Please disseminate this information to
Area Offices, State Plan States and Consultation Projects.
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