OPERATORS OF MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT (MHE)

This chapter provides only the basic information needed to supervise and guide the MHE operators. Consult your local and higher echelon directives and procedures concerning licensing and safety requirements. In this chapter, the MHE refers to a forklift truck.

To qualify as an MHE operator, each person is required-to meet some specific requirements. These include the vision, hearing, and reaction tests.

Figure 2-10.-Handlift truck, Mk 45.

Individuals in the Navy should have already passed these tests. Completing a training program for familiarization, safety, and operation is also required before receiving an operator's permit.

Forklift Safety

The following safety rules are applicable to forklift truck operations:

l Forklift truck operators must slow down at cross aisles and passageways.

l When entering or leaving a building, the operator must come to a complete stop at the entrance, sound the horn, and proceed only when the way is clear.

l Under all conditions, the forklift truck must be operated at a speed that will permit it to be brought to a stop in a safe manner.

l When traveling, the forks must be raised not more than 4 inches above the deck. When parked, the forks must be lowered to rest on the deck.

l Forklift trucks must not be used to bump or push the stacks to straighten them out.

l The maximum load capacity of the forklift truck must not be exceeded.

l Drive the forklift truck forward when transporting a load up ramps and backward when transporting a load down ramps. The mast of the forklift truck must be tilted backward when transporting a load.

l Use a safety pallet when lifting of personnel is authorized.

l Personnel are not allowed to ride on the forks.

l When parking, the operator must ensure parking brakes are set and the forklift truck will not move.

l The operators must not cut corners when traveling. This practice may result in upset loads, damaged goods, or injury to personnel.

l When using a bridge plate, it must be secured in position to prevent slipping, and strong enough to support the weight of the forklift truck and load.

l Operators must not attempt to repair forklift trucks. The supervisor must be notified to get a qualified person to repair the vehicle.

l Forklift trucks must be equipped with overhead guards, and operators must wear hard hats.

Fundamental Operational Instructions

The trainee should learn the different controls, preventive maintenance, warehousing procedures, stacking methods, and safety rules pertaining to forklift trucks. Before using the MHE, the trainee should be instructed to check the following:

l Fuel

l Water or coolant

l Oil level

l Tires (pressure and excessive wear)

l Fire extinguisher (if installed)

l Forks (to ensure they are secured)

After mounting the forklift truck, have the trainee check the following:

l Horn

l Brakes (both parking and foot)

l Position of gear shift lever (should be in neutral)

After successfully completing the fundamental operating instructions, the instructor should demonstrate the proper operation of the MHE. The instructor should show the trainee how to drive the MHE to go forward and backward. The trainee should be cautioned against driving with the foot resting on the _{clutch pedal.} "Riding the clutch" results in loss of tension in the clutch springs, allowing the clutch to slip, thereby causing excessive wear. The instructor must explain to the trainee that the forks should be raised high enough for safe clearance, yet low enough to permit a clear view ahead when traveling with or without a load. If the load obstructs the operator's forward view, the operator should drive the MHE in reverse.

After completing the instructions above, the trainee may be allowed to practice driving. The trainee should drive the MHE forward and backward. Next, let the trainee drive in circles and figure eights using reduced speed.

After completing the basic maneuvers, the instructor may let the trainee drive through an obstacle

course (if required by the command). The next step of training is load handling. Instruct the trainee to approach a pallet, insert the forks into the pallet as far as they will go, lift, and move the pallet. The trainee should lift the pallet, tilt the mast back, and move forward or backward. In unloading, instruct the trainee to lower the pallet to the deck and tilt the mast to a vertical position so that the forks can be removed easily.

After successfully completing the required training, the trainee may be issued a permit to operate the MHE.

SUMMARY

The Aviation Storekeeper supervisor must be able to plan and coordinate to create efficient supply operations. This chapter will help you do this. The terms and definitions we discussed will help you in supervising the storage or warehouse. We also discussed the methods and procedures for planning the storage and office layout to provide a safe and smooth flow of operations.

The objectives in storing material is to conserve space, move rapidly, assure stability, and have a form of orderliness. We discussed the stacking height and arrangement of stacks to conserve storage space. We can assure speed in material movement by applying the storage techniques described in this chapter. We also discussed the different types and required number of MHE needed for moving materials by unit loads to save time and resources. We covered the stability of material in stems by using storage aids, such as pallets and racks, and the orderliness of material in storage that facilitates movement and inventory functions. We discussed the factors that help promote orderliness in the storage area; these include the stowage aids, required access, material identification, and the location system used.

We discussed the methods and terms used in computing the measurements of storage spaces and the required number of MHE and pallets. This information should help you in overall storage space management and control and preparation of required reports.