This self-paced online course covers forklifts and other powered industrial trucks that can be sources of warehouse fires. The course describes trucks by fuel type and hazard classification, discusses refueling and maintenance issues, and addresses the fire safety issues that surround the operation of these industrial trucks.

Upon completion you should be able to:

• Explain how different types of warehouses require different types of trucks
• List the six types of fuels used by trucks
• Describe the unique fire hazards associated with each truck
• Understand the leading causes of fire during refueling
• List the "Best Practices" to be followed when refueling
• Understand establishing and maintaining a safe refueling area
• List the potential to damage sprinkler systems during lift truck operation
• Understand care in driving, raising, and loading stock reduces potential for damage to sprinkler systems, rack systems, heaters, lights, electrical panels, etc.
• Explain how training and Barrier Protection reduces potential for damage
• Understand the need to inform operators about the hazards of their cargo
• Explain how personal safety of employees is paramount

Who Will Benefit

Anyone whose job involves designing, reviewing, evaluating or installing fire protection systems, including: designers, installers, engineers, electrical contractors, technicians, project managers, fire marshals, and architects

Course Summary

Truck Types

• Different types of warehouses require different types of trucks
• Common warehouses are categorized as 'unclassified' or ordinary
• Only the properly designated truck should be used in hazardous warehouses
• There are six fuel types: Electric, LPG, GNC, Diesel, Gasoline, and Dual Fuel
• Each fuel has unique fire hazards to guard against

Refueling and Maintenance

• Most forklift fires start during refueling operations
• Leading causes include Spills, Leaking Tanks, Hoses, and Fittings, and Poor Maintenance
• The "Best Practices" from pages 10, 11, and 12 should be followed when refueling
• LPG and CNG fuels are highly flammable gases that can explode
• Electric charging stations are a common source of fire ignition
• All fueling/charging stations need be well arranged and located in safe areas

Driving and Operating

• Damage to sprinklers by lift trucks is a common and expensive incident
• Care in driving, raising, and loading stock reduces potential for damage to sprinkler systems, rack systems, heaters, lights, electrical panels, etc.
• Good operator training and Barrier Protection reduces potential for damage
• Operators need to be informed about the hazards of their cargo and trained to respond to emergencies
• Personal safety of employees is paramount