Order Picker Safety

An order picker is a forklift with an operator platform that raises with the forks. This allows operators to pick, or retrieve, individual items instead of entire pallets stored on high shelves. Order pickers are specially designed to operate in narrow aisles, where there is often only a few inches of clearance on either side. There are several obvious hazards associated with working at heights in narrow aisles, including falls, tip-overs, and falling objects. This course discusses how to safely operate order pickers.

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Course Details

Learning Objectives

• List hazards associated with order pickers • Identify order picker safety equipment • Describe how to safely operate an order picker • Describe how to prevent tip-overs • Describe how to inspect order pickers to ensure their safety

Specs

Course Level Intermediate
Languages English
Compatibility Audio, Video
Based on: 29 CFR 1910.178 - Powered Industrial Trucks

Author

Vector Solutions

With over two decades of experience designing advanced 3D animated courseware and developing our proprietary learning management software, we pride ourselves by having developed over 1,000 safety and operations training modules, which have helped train over 250,000 workers worldwide. Our highly experienced team provides the industry with a simple and high-quality means of training their workforce. Whether your team consists of 25 people or an enterprise with thousands, we’re here to help.

Key Questions

How much can an order picker lift?
A typical order picker has a lift capacity of about 3,000 pounds, but you should always confirm the weight capacity of the vehicle they are operating.

Where can I find lift capacity information?
Load capacity and load center ratings can be found on the order picker nameplate.

What is a dead man’s pedal?
A dead man’s pedal is a switch on the operator platform that will quickly stop the picker if released in an emergency.

What can cause an order picker to tip over?
Tip-overs can be caused by: overloading, unstable loads, uneven or slippery surfaces, sharp turns, or excessive speed.

Is fall protection required on an order picker?
Falling off an order picker platform can cause serious injury or death. Operators must wear a full body harness tethered to the picker at all times by a shock-absorbing lanyard or a self-retracting lifeline.

Sample Video Transcript

An order picker is a forklift with an operator platform that raises with the forks. This allows operators to pick, or retrieve, individual items instead of entire pallets stored on high shelves. A typical order picker has a lift capacity of about 3,000 pounds (1,361 kilograms) and can reach heights of 30-35 feet (9-10.5 meters). Operators should always confirm the weight capacity of the vehicle they are operating. Order pickers are specially designed to operate in narrow aisles, where there is often only a few inches of clearance on either side. Therefore, the condition of the warehouse floor is critical. If the floor is uneven, the truck may lean and hit the racks. Many warehouses use rails or wires to safely guide the order picker down the aisle.

Course Applies To

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