Fire prevention devices.

TM 38-400/NAVSUP PUB 572/AFMAN 23-210 MCO 4450.14/DLAM 4145.12

cases, the forklift truck will be fitted with blocking

flammable liquids with flash points higher than 100 .

devices that will not permit the forks to elevate the load

as determined by the safety and fire prevention

higher than the operator's head. Guards and means of

authorities. The need for an EX type of explosion-proof

attachment will not interfere with the operation of the

truck will be determined by the safety and fire

forklift truck and will not impede the operator in

prevention authorities of the individual military services.

mounting and dismounting the truck.

g. Area to be free of oil and fuel spills. All spills

b. Equipment to be kept free of grease . Steering

will be cleaned up before starting an engine. Gasoline

columns and electrical wiring on diesel-, gasoline-, or

will not be flushed down a drain unless a special drain

electric-powered equipment must be kept free of

designated for this purpose is provided. Gasoline spills

excessive grease accumulation at all times.

will be cleaned up in accordance with local spill control

c. Special protective equipment.

Special

requirements. Only approved absorbent material will be

protective equipment as cleared by the appropriate

used to clean up the gasoline. Sawdust, wood shavings,

military department will be used when work involves

or rags will not be used to clean up the spilled gasoline.

explosives and ammunition.

Metal shovel, metal grid, or other spark producing tools

d. Fire prevention devices.

will not be used in the immediate area. When cleaning

up spilled gasoline in excess of 1 pint, one person will

(1) Sediment bowls and gas caps. Gasoline

stand by with a fire extinguisher while another person

and gas electric-powered MHE will be equipped with

does the cleaning.

metal sediment bowls and gas filler caps with special

h. Safety precautions by the operator .

The

safety features.

following safety precautions are applicable for the

(2) Spark flame arrestor. Internal combustion

operator of MHE:

engine powered MHE with built-in devices to provide

adequate safeguards against spark or flame will be

(1) Operators, as soon as they go on duty,

used, when available, to handle or to operate in storage

will inspect brakes, steering apparatus, horn, oil, gas,

areas containing readily ignitable materials such as

and water.

Any defects noted will be reported

cotton, jute, sisal, coca fiber, or excelsior. When such

immediately to the supervisor.

MHE with built-in devices is not available, a spark or

(2) The operator will refuse to drive an

flame arrestor device, conforming to the requirements of

improperly loaded truck or any MHE which is not in safe

military specification MIL-A-27302, may be attached to

mechanical condition.

the muffler tail pipe. These devices require periodic

(3) The operator will stop the engine and set

inspection for accumulation of carbon deposits and,

the brake before getting off the machine, except when

when necessary, will be removed for cleaning. Intervals

picking stock, in which case the brake will be set and the

between servicing of arrestors will vary with the

engine permitted to idle in neutral provided the operator

condition of the engine and the type of operations

remains in the immediate area of the vehicle.

performed. Other types of spark arrestors/devices may

be used when authorized by the military service

(4) Only licensed operators will be permitted

concerned.

to operate equipment.

(3) Fire extinguishers. The installation of fire

(5) The operator will inspect all loads to be

extinguishers on powered MHE will be as prescribed by

moved, will not overload, will not move an unstable

the military service concerned.

Requirement

load, will avoid moving loose material, and will refuse to

considerations should include criteria described in

move an unsafe load, or unload from a truck or trailer

section G of this chapter.

that is not chocked or does not have a stabilizer placed

under the fifth-wheel area on the trailer, if disconnected

from the tractor.

e. All warehouse and open area aisles must be

(6) Operators will be trained in the use of all

kept clean and free of refuse. MHE can be jarred going

types of fire extinguishers and will ascertain their

over obstructions which will cause the load to shift or

location in the areas in which they are working.

swing.

(7) Operators will keep three truck or tractor

f. Overhead guards (29 CFR 1910.178 ). Forklift

lengths behind other vehicles.

trucks of all types will be equipped with an overhead

safety guard fabricated from steel. Exceptions are

(8) Operators will face in the direction they

permitted only for forklift trucks where height of the

are traveling and will not back without facing in that

overhead guard would deny entry of truck into work

direction.

locations such as entry into vehicles being loaded or

unloaded in receiving or shipping operations. In such

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