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Safety Handbook

Rev 10 May 18, 2016

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Contents
Training Policy ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Employee Acknowledgement Form (Temps) ........................................................................................................................................................... 4
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Important Phone Numbers.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
General Safety Conduct ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Incident Reporting ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Anti-Violence/Security .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Emergency Action Plan (EAP) ................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
In the Event of a Fire: ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 10
In the Event of an Earthquake: .............................................................................................................................................................................. 10
In the Event of a Hurricane: .................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Ergonomics—Repetitive Motion Injuries (RMI) ..................................................................................................................................................... 12
Hazard Communication ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 13
Occupational Noise Exposure .................................................................................................................................................................................. 14
Personal Protective Equipment ................................................................................................................................................................................. 15
Ladder Safety Policy .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Lifting Safety Policy ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Unassisted Lifting .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Preparing for a Lift Guidelines .............................................................................................................................................................................. 18
Good handling techniques for pushing or pulling .............................................................................................................................................. 19
Assisted Lifting Guidelines ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Material Handling Equipment Safety Policy ............................................................................................................................................................. 22
Forklifts ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 22
Lift Tables and Scissor Lifts ............................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Dollies................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
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Training Policy
Synovos training as assigned in the Synovos Learning Center is mandatory training, and as such, deemed a requirement
of employment. Failure to complete safety training is considered a performance issue and subject to progressive
discipline as outlined in Synovos’s Progressive Discipline Policy.
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Employee Acknowledgement Form (Temps)

Note: Synovos Employee Acknowledgement is attached to their Learning Center training
requirement. See documentation requirements below.

I hereby acknowledge receipt of Synovos “Employee Safety Handbook” which outlines important safety
requirements and information for working as safety as possible. I agree to follow the safety and health rules as
outlined in this handbook. I further understand that complete safety and health program requirements are
published in the “Safety Manual” that can be obtained through my Site Manager or Project Leader.

__________________________________________________
Employee Signature Date

__________________________________________________

Employer’s Representative Date

Important: This receipt must be read, understood and signed by all Synovos permanent and temporary
employees. Temporary employees sign this hard-copy form. Permanent employees must document
their training in the Synovos Learning Center by taking the associated quiz.

Documentation Instructions:

Permanent Employees: The Synovos Site Manager, or senior Synovos employee, will ensure all personnel have
read and understand the contents of this document. Please contact the Senior Director of Safety and Quality
[email protected] if you have any questions. The employee must take the Employee Safety Handbook Quiz
contained in the Synovos Learning Center.

Temporary/Project Employees: The project leader or hiring manager will ensure all personnel have read and
understand the contents of this document. Please contact the Senior Director of Safety and Quality
[email protected] if you have any questions. The employee and leader or manager will sign this form file it on site.
This form is a special interest item during implementation audits.

Employees: Please retain the handbook for future reference.

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Introduction
Synovos’s most valuable assets are the employees whose efforts have enabled us to achieve the level of success we
enjoy today. Whether a permanent employee or member of a project team you are very valuable and ensuring your
safety is paramount.

The safety and well-being of each and every employee is the most important element in protecting that you, our most
important asset. Accordingly, Synovos is committed to equipping employees to perform their assigned tasks safely.

The safety program cannot be successful without active participation of all employees. As a valued employee, you
should know your responsibilities so that if you see coworkers performing unsafe acts, you can remind them that
safety is our top priority.

This “Employee Safety Handbook” gives you a quick glimpse of the many elements of the safety program. Although
this handbook does not contain all requirements of our safety and health program, it does contain the many general
rules that all employees must follow. For complete safety and health program requirements, refer to the
“Safety Manual” that can be obtained through your Site Manager or Project Leader.

Employees are expected to follow all safety and health rules. Failure to follow the important rules in this handbook
could result in injury to yourself or others or damage to company property. Disciplinary action could be taken in
accordance with current practices, up to and including termination of employment.

Every day when you arrive for work,

make sure safety is your top priority
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Important Phone Numbers

Outside Numbers

Fire, Police, Ambulance 911 Insert Phone Number Here

Police (non-emergency) Insert Phone Number Here

Hospital Non-Emergency Insert Phone Number Here

Emergency Room Insert Phone Number Here

Client’s Main Office Insert Phone Number Here

Inside Numbers

Site Manager or Project Leader Insert Name & Phone Number Here

General Manager Insert Name & Phone Number Here

Regional/Program Manager Insert Name & Phone Number Here

Security Insert Phone Number Here

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General Safety Conduct

 If you see any unsafe conditions, take immediate corrective action. If corrective action is beyond your capabilities,
report the unsafe condition to your supervisor.

 Report all unsafe work practices to your supervisor.

 Never bring firearms or other weapons on premises, including buildings, parking lots and vehicles.

 Aggressive behavior of any type will not be tolerated.

 Immediately report any disorderly conduct such as shouting, pushing, throwing of objects, threats to inflict bodily
harm, intimidating presence or harassment of any type.

 Fascination with guns or other weapons may indicate an employee at risk for violent behavior. Carefully consider
such situations and, if appropriate, report it to your supervisor.

 Abide by the safety rules and safe practices contained in this book, the Safety Manual and all supplemental safety
and health rules and safe practices that may be distributed from time to time.

 You have the responsibility to correct or repair unsafe conditions in your work area by yourself or with the aid of
others, up to your capabilities, regardless of your job or classification.

 Take advantage of all safety information available to you and learn to work safely.

 Failure to comply with any company safety rules or safe practices, or the act of engaging in unsafe practices or
conduct not specifically covered in this handbook, may result in disciplinary action.
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Incident Reporting
1.1.1 Incident Reporting: In the event a work-related injury or illness occurs, the following procedure is to be
followed:
 Attend to the injured/sick person.
 In the event of an emergency call 911 for assistance.
 If non-emergency medical care beyond first aid is required, find a preferred provider for your location through the
insurance carrier’s preferred provider networks. Providers can be found by referring to the “Reference Material” tab found
on the following website: State specific information is also found there
:
http://www.talispoint.com/htfd/external/

 Notify the next level of management, Corporate Senior Director of Safety and Quality (610) 246-5028 and Corporate HR
(610) 293-5563 (office) or (610) 246-7461 (mobile), within 8 hours of the injury or onset of illness.
 The individual’s supervisor completes the Report of Injury or Illness (General Form 1-1) and forwards to: Corporate HR
by email to [email protected]. The form can be found in the Safety Area of the Synovos Employee Center or through
contacting HR ([email protected]) or the Senior Director of Safety and Quality.
 Single person sites shall post their immediate supervisor’s emergency contact information in their work area and ensure
that key client personnel are aware of the contact information.
 Follow up with a phone call to HR (610) 293-5563 to verify receipt.
 Do not send this report to anyone outside Synovos without discussing with Corporate HR. Note: ALL injuries must be
reported to the supervisory chain of command, Director of Quality and Safety and to Corporate HR.
 Keep the original report in a locked/secure file.
 Conduct an Incident Investigation (1.7) and document it on the Report of Injury or Illness (General Form 1- 1 in Safety
Manual) and send to each supervisory level up to and including the Senior Director of Safety and Quality and Corporate
HR
 The Report of Injury and Illness Form is stored in the Employee Center accessible through the “Home” tab with
Storeroom On-Site (SOS).
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Anti-Violence/Security
Workplace violence has emerged as an important safety and health issue in the workplace. Although a specific
workplace violence rule has not been adopted, Synovos recognizes the impact workplace violence can have on its
employees and intends to have a workplace that is secure and free from violence or potential violence.

 Only persons with legitimate reasons shall be allowed on premises and only with client permission.

 Visitors should report to the reception area before entering the facility.

 Report any unrecognized or suspicious visitors to your Site Manager or Project Leader.

 When moving to and from the parking lots, be aware of activities around you, and take care to avoid any
unknown persons.

 After dark, leave the buildings in the presence of others, if possible.

 Acts of aggression, such as shouting, pushing, throwing objects, slamming doors, etc., will not be tolerated.

 Do not bring firearms or weapons of any type to work.

 Report any type of intimidation or harassment to your Supervisor, who will in turn inform the Safety
Coordinator. If the Supervisor is the aggressor, inform the Safety Coordinator directly.
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Emergency Action Plan (EAP)

In addition to the client’s EAP these procedures are designed to help you in responding to potential emergencies such
as fires, chemical spills and earthquakes.

You will be trained in the client’s safe evacuation procedures and will know the parts of the evacuation plan that apply
to you. You will receive update training as your responsibilities in the plan are changed.

Learn the best escape route(s) from the various area(s) in the building(s) where you work.

If evacuation is necessary, your Supervisor will inform you. Upon leaving the building during a formal evacuation,
proceed immediately to the client’s designated area so an accounting of all employees can be made.

In the Event of a Fire:

 Be familiar with locations of fire extinguishers in your work area. If you detect a fire, notify co-workers and your
supervisor immediately.
 If the fire seems controllable, you may—on a voluntary basis—try to extinguish it as long as you can do so safely.
 Immediately sound the alarm and call 911 if it appears the fire cannot be easily controlled.

In the Event of an Earthquake:

 If you are inside: Stand in a doorway or crouch under a desk or table, away from windows or glass dividers. Stay
away from tall objects, such as files or cabinets.

 If you are outside: Stand away from buildings, trees, telephone lines and electric lines.

When the Earthquake is over:

 Remain at your workstation unless it becomes obvious that doing so would expose you to additional hazards. As
soon as practical, the Safety Coordinator will assess the situation and determine the need for evacuation. If
evacuation is necessary, a Describe Alarm alarm will sound. All employees will immediately evacuate the building and
assemble in the Insert Location Here for an accounting of employees.
Note: In some instances client or building manager procedures may require building evacuation after the
event to allow damage assessment.
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In the Event of a Hurricane:

 Know all evacuation routes if you live close to the coast.

 Have proper tools, supplies, and a first aid kit.
 Have plenty of batteries and flashlights
 Always have plenty of non-perishable foods on hand.

When a Watch or Warning is issued:

 Leave low lying areas.

 Protect windows with plywood boards, or storm shutters.
 Secure outside objects.
 Make sure you have plenty of fuel and water.
 Have several day’s supply of food and water for each family member.
 If called to evacuate, do so immediately.

Before the Storm:

 Be ready to put your plan and preparation into action.

 Pay attention to local weather reports on radio, television, or the internet.
 Have house boarded up, or have storm shutters in place.
 Have plenty of food and water.
 Make sure all your tools, supplies, and first aid kit available for use.
 Have a secure room available

During the Storm:

 Stay in Secure Room.

 Stay away from windows.
 Do not use the phone, or candles.
 Monitor Weather and Civil Service Bulletins on either regular or NOAA radio.
 Have supplies on hand.
 Remain indoors when the eye moves over your area because the storm will resume shortly. After the
Storm:

After the Storm:

 Make sure that all is definitely clear outside, and the storm has completely passed before going out.
 Report downed power lines, and stay away from them.
 Use stored water and food.
 Be patient. Things will take a while before they get back to normal.
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Ergonomics—Repetitive Motion Injuries (RMI)

Many of the tasks you will perform are repetitive in nature. If these tasks are not performed properly, repetitive motion
injuries may result.

Repetitive motion injuries result from performing the same motion(s) over and over and can occur regardless of the
task(s).

 Use workstations, where possible, that have proper lighting, correctly arranged computer equipment and
comfortable desks and chairs.

 Organize the work area so that tasks can be performed in the most efficient manner and with the least physical
strain from repetitive motion.

 Minimize repetitive stretching, bending, or sitting in the same position for long periods.

 Take periodic breaks to relieve stress do to repeating motions.

 Do not attempt to perform physical tasks that are beyond your physical capabilities.

 Report any tasks or situations where you believe repetitive motions may be contributing to pains you
experience as the task(s) is being performed.
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Hazard Communication
This program is designed to provide information to you so that you can work with and around hazardous chemicals safely.
This program is also called “The Right-To-Know” Program.

 A “right-to-know” station, which includes hazardous chemical information, is located in the Enter Location Here

 Be familiar with the hazardous chemicals used or stored in your work area and know how to protect yourself from the
hazards they represent.

 Do not use hazardous chemicals unless you have been trained to do so safely.

 Safety Data Sheets (SDS)/Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) are located Enter Location Here

 Follow all safety instructions indicated by the SDS/ MSDS and labels attached to containers.

 Never use a chemical in an unmarked container unless the contents are known specifically to you or a co-worker.

 Report all spills of hazardous chemicals to your Supervisor.

 Advise contract employees of chemical hazards they may encounter while on the premises and the location of
SDS/MSDS.

 Review safety procedures before undertaking any new and/or non-routine task.
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Occupational Noise Exposure

Synovos is committed to conserving the hearing of all employees by encouraging and requiring employees to practice
safe habits related to hearing conservation and to comply with all pertinent noise control and hearing conservation
regulations. All employees working in areas of excessive noise shall wear hearing protection devices, have an annual
audiogram and receive annual training.

Hazardous Noise Area: A hazardous noise area is any area where the continuous sound pressure level is greater
than or equal to 90 dBA or where impulse or impact noise is greater than or equal to 140 dB.

The Client Safety Officer is normally responsible for coordinating and administering the Noise and Hearing
Conservation Program for your facility. If it is determined that your work area is a Hazardous Noise Area:

 Always wear hearing protection in designated, posted areas.

 Never share hearing protection devices with other employees.

 Do not expose yourself to an excess of 90 dBA without appropriate hearing protection.

 Follow the Noise Control and Hearing Conservation Program outlined in the Safety Manual.

All records created as part of the Noise Control Program, will be kept in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020, Access to
Medical and Exposure Records, describe elsewhere in this handbook.
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Personal Protective Equipment

In addition to client PPE requirements tasks performed by Synovos personnel have been assessed for the need of
personal protective equipment and guidelines for their use have been written. Full details are included in the Safety
Manual.

Note: For Puerto Rico employees Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided to the employee free of charge
as per Puerto Rico’s State Law 16 Clause 6, PROSHA

 Required personal protective devices shall be provided, repaired, cleaned and maintained by Synovos with the
exception of steel-toed shoes.

 Personal protective equipment is not to be removed from the premises.

 Eye protection suitable for the procedure performed will be worn in all areas of the facility where potential eye
injury exists.

 Synovos storerooms are assessed to have a potential for foot injuries due to heavy bulky materials that have to be moved.
Therefore all Synovos employees that work in a storeroom environment are required to wear shoes with a non-slip sole and
steel toe or non-metallic polycarbonate safety toe, or style required by the client. Synovos employees who visit storerooms are
encouraged to wear safety shoes. If you are a full-time Synovos employee and work in or visit a storeroom, Synovos
will provide or reimburse for one pair of conforming safety shoes, purchased from our preferred vendor, Shoes for Crews, or
will reimburse for shoes purchased elsewhere up to $65. Synovos will purchase replacements every five years for those who
only visit storerooms and every year for those who work in storerooms.
 Synovos storerooms are assessed to have a potential for hand injuries as result of using box cutters and handling sharp or rough edged
parts. Protective cut-resistant gloves must be worn while handling box cutters and other sharp cutting instruments. Attendants or other
employees must always wear cut-resistant gloves when handling parts during work hours because of the potential for cuts. Additionally,
only self-closing razor knives or knives designed where the user cannot contact the blade will be used for cutting. The
preferred knife is the Klever Kutter that can be purchased from Grainger and numerous other suppliers.
 Some Synovos storerooms are assessed to have the potential for hearing damage due to the noisy environment of the facilities
they are located in. Personnel working where the time weighted average (TWA) (average over an 8hr period) is 90db or
louder will wear hearing protection. When TWA averages exceed 85db a hearing conservation program is required. OSHA has
very specific guidance for Hearing Conservation Programs which includes baseline and annual hearing testing. Contact the
Senior Director of Safety and Quality [email protected] if you need specifics on the hearing conservation program
requirements or if your work environment noise levels need to be tested.
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Ladder Safety Policy

This policy applies to all employees who use ladders at work and describes how portable ladders are to be selected,
used, inspected, and maintained.

Ladder Selection

 Different ladders are made for specific uses. For a given task, you must select the right ladder to ensure your
safety. Prior to purchasing a ladder, check with Safety Department for specifications. New ladders must meet or
exceed ANSI Type I-A specifications, with preference to fiberglass construction.
 Step Ladders are self-supporting ladders with flat steps and hinged backs. They may be constructed of
aluminum, fiberglass, or wood, and they must have a metal spreader that locks the ladder open. They
should only be used on firm and level surfaces. The maximum allowable length for a step ladder is 20
feet. These must never be used as a straight-type ladder (leaned up against a wall for use), as the footing
was not designed for safe use in this manner. Never stand or sit on the top two steps of a step ladder! A
longer ladder may be required to safely perform a given task.
 Straight-type Ladders are not self-supporting ladders. They must be leaned against a stable surface, with
a 1:4 scope (1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet in height). They may be constructed of
aluminum, fiberglass, or wood, in either single or extendable lengths. The maximum allowable length for
a single ladder is 30 feet, while extension ladders may reach up to 72 feet. Both should be placed on
firm, stable footings, or utilize leg extensions or non-slip feet. Straight-type ladders should extend at
least 3 feet above the accessed area, and they must be tied off to a secure anchor point if they are to be
used repeatedly in the same spot.
 Rolling Ladders are self-supporting stair-type ladders exist primarily in warehouse environments where
rolling surfaces are smooth and level. They have integral handrails and usually have locking devices for
stability. Most rolling ladders are constructed of steel, so be aware of conductivity risks when working
near electrical equipment.

Helpful Hints for Ladder Safety

 Never use a ladder unless you have been trained.

 Always use three points of contact when using ladders (e.g.: two feet and one hand in contact with the ladder).
 Portable ladders are to be used by only one person at a time, unless specifically designed otherwise.
 Protect the base of ladders in high traffic areas. If you must close an area due to safety concerns, barricade
access routes and post alternatives, as appropriate. If you cannot close an area, you must have another
employee guard the ladder base.
 Make sure ladder treads are clear of mud and debris before using. Employees may only use a contractor-owned
ladder with the contractor's permission and only after assessing the ladders' condition.

Never
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 Carry awkward loads while using a ladder. Use ropes to haul heavy items up once you have reached your
working height or surface.
 Place tools or supplies on ladders steps if they could fall. Many injuries are caused by falling objects.
 Use wood or metal ladders around exposed, energized electrical equipment. Ladders can provide energy an easy
path to ground.
 Paint a ladder. Paint conceals defects and can cover rating labels.
 Reach far out from or turn excessively while on a ladder. These actions risk destabilizing the ladder.
 Store a ladder in the rain or direct sun. These shorten ladder service lives.
 Lean a ladder on windows, unsecured surfaces, or other unstable support. Your support point must be as stable
as your base.
 Use a defective ladder. Report these to the Safety Department for repair or disposal.

Ladder Inspection
 The safety of ladders must be assessed by the user prior to each use. Only ladders in good condition are to be
used.
 Unsafe ladders must be clearly marked or tagged as unsafe (e.g.: Do Not Use or Damaged). The Safety
Department can help determine repair or disposal needs.
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Lifting Safety Policy

Unassisted Lifting
General

 No one individual is allowed to lift in excess of 40 lbs. providing the guidelines below
are met
 Two people may jointly lift weights up to 80 lbs. providing the guidelines below are
met
 Any item weighing 80 lbs. or more will not be lifted without the assistance of a lifting
device

Preparing for a Lift Guidelines:

 Think before you lift

 Can handling aids be used?
 Is this an assisted lift situation e.g. Item exceeds 40 lbs. or 80 lbs. limitations, or a bulky item, or requires lifting
from an awkward position
 Inspect the material for loose packing material, sharp edges, and grease or dirt that could cause slipping.
 Wear gloves when lifting material with sharp edges.
 The gloves should be made of cut-resistant material with slip resistant palms. There are many suitable
varieties available
 The gloves must be free of grease or other substances that could cause slipping.

 Inspect the route which you will use to deliver the material, clear all obstacles, clean up any spills or wet
areas, determine if there is an elevation change, and plan the route you will take.
 Consider the distance you will travel and understand that you will lose your grip over a longer distance and
may want to plan a stopping point along the way.
General Lifting Risk Assessment Guidelines

 The upper limit (most weight one can safely lift and Synovos policy weight) for a manual unassisted lift (no
lifting device) is 40 lbs.
 2-person lifts are allowed as long as they are performed safely and per these lifting guidelines. All 2-person
lifts are limited to 80 lbs. maximum.
 Any lift in excess of 80 lbs. must be performed with the assistance of a lifting device.
 The guideline weights assume that the material is easily grasped with both hands and that the lift takes place
in reasonable working conditions with the lifter in a stable body position as described above
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 Once you have determined that the lift is a single person manual lift proceed
by using the proper lifting techniques:
 Keep the load close to your waist.
Keep the load close to your body for as long as possible while lifting.
Keep the heaviest side of the material next to your body. If a close to
the body lift is not possible attempt to slide the material towards the
body before attempting to lift

 Adopt a stable position. The feet should be apart with one leg slightly forward to
maintain balance (alongside the material, if it is on the ground). The employee
should be prepared to move their feet during the lift to maintain their stability.
Avoid tight clothing and unsuitable footwear which will make this difficult.
 Get a good hold. Where possible the material should be held as close to the
body as possible. This may be better than gripping tightly with hands only.
 Start in a good posture. At the start of the lift slight bending of the back, hips,
and knees is preferable to bending over with the back only.
 Don’t flex the back any further while lifting.
This can happen if the legs are straightened before starting to raise the material.
 Avoid twisting the back any further while lifting.
This is especially true while the back is bent. Shoulders should be kept level and
facing in the same direction as the hips. Turning by moving the feet is better than
twisting at the same time.
 Keep the head up when lifting. Look ahead, not down at the route –
it should already be cleared at this point.
 Move smoothly.
The material should not be jerked or snatched as this can make it harder
to maintain control and increases the risk of injury.
 Don’t lift or handle more than can be easily managed.
There is a difference between what people can lift and what they can lift
and manage safely. If you are in doubt seek help or advice from a
supervisor.
 Put down and then adjust.
If precise positioning of the material is required or you begin to lose your grip
put the material down immediately. Re-position the material and continue; do
not try to adjust while holding onto the material.

Good handling techniques for pushing or pulling

Here are some practical points to remember when material is pushed or pulled:

 Material handling equipment should have handle heights that are between the shoulder and waist.
 Equipment should be well maintained with wheels that turn smoothly. When purchasing material handling
equipment is sure to purchase good quality equipment with the largest wheels possible for the particular piece
of equipment.
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 Employees should enlist help from another worker whenever necessary if they have to move material up or
down a slope or ramp, as pushing or pulling forces can be very high and cause additional risk of injury.

Assisted Lifting Guidelines

Personnel shall adhere to the assisted lifting guidelines within this document to the fullest extent possible.

 Using lifting devices can:

 Avoid injury
 Avoid pain, suffering and stress for you and your family
 Prevent loss/reduction in earnings.

 If you are injured it may affect:

 Your lifestyle
 Leisure activities
 Ability to sleep
 Ability to do your job

 Multiple-Person Lift
 All persons should be about the same height
 One person takes charge of the lift so you are working together, not against each other
 Lift together, walk in step and lower the load together

Assisted Lifting Risk Assessment Guidelines

 Can you see over and around the load? If not an assisted lift is required regardless of weight.
 Is the item easily grasped and not too bulky to lift alone? If not an assisted lift is required regardless of
weight. If the item is too bulky for multiple people, lifting equipment must be used.
 If the item weighs less than or equal to 80 lbs. are sufficient people available to lift the item without
exceeding the 40lbs per person limit?
 If the item weighs over 80 lbs. is proper equipment available to make the lift?
 Is the intended lifting equipment rated for the planned lift?
 Are the people intending to perform a multiple-person lift approximately the same height?
 Has the leader of a multiple-person lift been decided?
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 Two-Person Lift for Long Loads

 Extra care is required as long loads are difficult to control.
 One lifter takes charge of the lift.
 Both lifters start at the heavier end of the load.
 Bring one end of the load up to shoulder height.
 One lifter takes the weight on his/her shoulder, while the second goes to the opposite end and lifts it
onto a platform and then onto his/her shoulder.

 Two-Person Lift for Sacks

 Standing on each side of the upright sack.
 One person takes charge.
 Grasp the bottom corner with one hand, and the upper corner with the other.
 Get a good grip.
 Lift together.
 Use your legs and thigh muscles, not your back.
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Material Handling Equipment Safety Policy

Forklifts

 Forklifts and powered industrial trucks are governed by Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
regulation 29CFR-1910-178. The information within this manual is extracted from, but is not all of the
information contained within those documents. Please refer to those documents or contact the Director of
Quality and Safety if you have further questions.

29CFR (Safety and Health Standards)

1910 (General Industry)

178 (Powered Industrial Trucks)

Forklifts are also governed by American National Standards Association (ANSI) ANSI - B56-1983

Forklifts must be inspected prior to use (See Safety Manual Section Form 4-2 Forklift Inspection Checklist).
Unless the client does not desire the checklist should be kept on the vehicle. Use of a client inspection is
acceptable as long it meets the minimum requirements of the manual. Contact the Director of Quality & Safety
[email protected] if you have any questions or concerns

 All forklift operators must possess certification meeting OSHA requirements

 Remove unsafe or defective trucks from service until the defect is properly repaired
 Do not handle loads that are heavier than the weight capacity of the forklift
 Follow the truck manufacturer’s operational requirements.
 Ensure that the operator wears a seatbelt installed by the manufacturer.
 Never drive up to a person standing in front of a fixed object such as a wall or stacked materials.
 Drive safely, never exceeding 5 mph and slowdown in congested areas or those with slippery surfaces
 Drive forklifts or other mechanical handling devices slowly on docks and dock plates
 Keep clear of dock edges and never back up forklifts to the dock’s edge.
 Center the load on the forks as close to the mast as possible to minimize the potential for the truck tipping
over or the load from falling.
 Avoid overloading a lift truck because it impairs control and causes tipping over.
 Do not place extra weight on the rear of a counterbalanced forklift to allow an overload.
 Adjust the load to the lowest position when traveling.
 Pile and cross-tier all stacked loads correctly when possible
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Lift Tables and Scissor Lifts

 Lift tables and scissor lifts are tabletop devices that employ a scissors mechanism, hydraulic cylinder or
similar device to raise or lower materials in such a way as to provide ergonomic positioning for operators.
Common types of these devices include:
 Scissor lifts are raised on linked folding supports that draw together to lift.
 Screw lifts lift using screw like threads.
 Rack and pinion lifts utilize a pinion that drives a straight-toothed rack.
 Telescoping lifts have multiple overlapping sections that move into and out of one another.
 Lifts must be inspected prior to use (See Section Form 4-3 Lift and Dolly Inspection Checklist). Unless the
client does not desire the checklist should be kept on the vehicle. Use of a client inspection checklist is
acceptable as long it meets the minimum requirements of the manual. Contact the Director of Quality &
Safety if you have questions regarding a client checklist.

Dollies
 Dollies are often used to move heavy items in lieu of lifting and carrying them.
 A 4-wheel dolly also known as or a caster board is a wheeled platform, usually without handles
used to move medium heavy loads. It usually has four wheels or casters and a platform (or open
frame) of wood, metal or plastic.
 The 2-wheel dolly is another term for a hand-truck, an L-shaped cart with 2 wheels on a common
axle. A luggage dolly is a lightweight 2-wheel dolly that collapses and/or folds into a package of
approximately briefcase size; a refrigerator dolly is a large, heavy-duty, 2-wheel dolly that
frequently has an integral system for strapping the load to itself.
 Dollies should be visually inspected prior to use to ensure wheels, handles and other attached hardware is
intact. See Section Form 4-3 Lift and Dolly Inspection Checklist. Remove from use and tag all unserviceable
dollies (See General form 1-3).

Antique 2-wheel Dolly Modern Day Dollies

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End of Booklet