Material Handling Equipment (MHE) Training Notes

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering material handling equipment types, safety regulations, stability principles, cargo symbols, forklift attachments, pre-operational inspections, and Singapore WSH Act compliance.

What are the five steps of the 5S workplace organizational method?

1. Sorting (separating wanted and unwanted items), 2. Straightening (keeping required items in appropriate places for easy and immediate retrieval), 3. Shining (keeping the workplace clean, neat, and tidy), 4. Standardising (making sorting, straightening, and shining habitual), and 5. Sustaining (maintaining established procedures).

What is the definition of "Torqflow" in relation to material handling equipment?

A category of forklift control referring to power shift and automatic transmission.

What are the assessment components and training hours for the MHE Operations module?

The course consists of $40\text{ hours}$ of theory and $40\text{ hours}$ of practical training. Assessment includes a Written Test ($40\%$\text{ with }$40\text{ MCQs}$ and $3\text{ SAQs}$ over $2\text{ hours}$), a Practical Test ($50\%$\text{ forklift driving test}), and BAA ($10\%$).

What are the general travel speed limits for forklifts on roads compared to inside a warehouse?

Forklifts should generally travel at $15\text{ km/h}$ on roads and $5\text{ km/h}$ in a warehouse environment.

Under what condition and location are forklift trucks allowed to travel on public roads?

Forklift trucks are only allowed to travel on public roads in ALPS, and signals must be given before turning.

What are the typical maximum load capacities of manual versus powered pallet jacks?

Manual pallet jacks typically carry up to $2.5\text{ tons}$, whereas powered models can handle up to $3\text{ tons}$.

Why do reach trucks not require a counterweight, and what is their typical load capacity?

They carry the load between the wheel axles rather than forward of them. Their typical load capacity ranges between $1\text{ to }2.5\text{ tons}$.

What are the key design features and load capacity range of a telehandler (telescopic handler)?

Telehandlers feature an extendable telescopic boom that lifts loads vertically and reaches forward horizontally, large traction wheels for rough terrains, and load capacities ranging from $2\text{ to }16\text{ tons}$.

What is the typical load capacity range of a rough terrain forklift?

It typically ranges from $2\text{ to }7\text{ tons}$.

How do high-lift stacker trucks differ structurally from low-lift pallet trucks?

Low-lift pallet trucks lack a mast and move goods only at floor level using support arm wheels that roll under pallets, whereas high-lift stacker trucks have masts for vertical movement and support arms constructed wider than a standard pallet to straddle its sides.

In what aisle width can Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) forklifts operate, and how are they steered?

They can operate in aisles as narrow as $1.8\text{ meters}$ and typically use rail or wire guidance systems for precise control.

What are the primary operational advantages and disadvantages of battery-powered forklifts?

Advantages include low maintenance costs, less vibration, and low noise (ideal for enclosed areas and food industries). Disadvantages include high initial cost, long charging times, and high depreciation.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of pneumatic forklift tires?

Advantages include good shock absorption, operator comfort, and better traction on rough, uneven surfaces or outdoor terrain. Disadvantages include higher risk of punctures/leaks, need for regular inflation maintenance, and lower durability on harsh surfaces compared to solid tires.

What function does the engine hour meter gauge serve during pre-operation checks?

It records the total hours the engine has operated, which is used to schedule maintenance and must be documented in the Daily Inspection Report.

What action must an operator take if the engine temperature gauge reads "H" (Hot)?

Do not operate the forklift; turn off the engine immediately and notify the supervisor.

What is indicated when the amperes gauge shows a negative (-) reading?

A negative (-) reading indicates that the generator is not charging and battery power is being consumed, which must be reported to the supervisor.

What are the strict rules for operating a forklift on a slope or gradient?

The forklift must ascend and descend slowly with the load facing uphill (driven with load uphill), with the load tilted rearwards and raised minimally to clear the ground. Turning or driving across a gradient is strictly prohibited.

What is the minimum distance a forklift must maintain from the edge of a gradient, elevated dock, or platform?

The width of one tyre on the forklift must be maintained as the minimum distance from the edge.

What procedures must be followed before driving a forklift into a road vehicle or trailer?

The road vehicle must have its brakes applied and wheels chocked, the floor checked for breaks, holes, or defects, and verified capable of supporting the combined weight of the forklift, load, and operator, with the bridge plate properly secured.

What precautions must be observed when taking a forklift into an elevator or lift?

Verify the elevator can support the combined weight of the forklift, load, and operator; ensure all other personnel exit first; enter slowly, squarely, and load-first; position the forklift centrally; and set controls to neutral, shut off power, and apply parking brakes.

Under WSQ and WSH Act rules, what are the fines for operating or allowing operation of a forklift without certification?

Employers face fines up to $\text{S}\$5,000$ for allowing uncertified employees to operate, and employees face fines up to $\text{S}\$5,000$ for operating without certification.

What are the employer and employee fines for repeat workplace safety violations related to forklift standards?

Employers face fines up to $\text{S}\$20,000$, while employees face fines up to $\text{S}\$10,000$ for repeat violations or non-compliance.

What maximum penalties apply to corporate offenders and individuals for non-compliance under the WSH Act?

Corporate offenders face a maximum fine of $\text{S}\$500,000$, while individuals face a maximum fine of $\text{S}\$200,000$ and/or imprisonment for up to $2\text{ years}$.

How frequently are certified forklift operators required to attend refresher safety training?

At least once every $3\text{ years}$.

Which forklift assemblies must be inspected weekly according to the pre-operational guidelines?

1. Structure, overhead guard, and hydraulic cylinders; 2. Mast assembly; and 3. Lift chains and rollers condition.

How is the load centre distance of a uniformly distributed load determined?

By dividing the length of the load by two (e.g., a $48\text{-inch}$ pallet has a load centre of $24\text{ inches}$, and a $1200\text{ mm}$ pallet has a load centre of $600\text{ mm}$).

How should an uneven load be positioned on the forklift forks?

The heavier side of the load must be positioned closer to the mast, and the operator must adjust speed and handling to compensate for the imbalance.

What operational failure directly led to the fatal crushing incident in Case Study 1?

The forklift operator raised the forks before they were fully inserted under the machine, causing the machine to become unstable and topple over onto the guiding worker.

What are the 9 classes of dangerous goods?

Class 1: Explosives, Class 2: Gases, Class 3: Flammable Liquids, Class 4: Flammable Solids, Class 5: Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides, Class 6: Toxic and Infectious Substances, Class 7: Radioactive Materials, Class 8: Corrosive Substances, and Class 9: Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods.

What does this cargo handling symbol indicate?

Fragile: The package contents are easily damaged or broken and must be handled with care.

What cargo handling instruction is represented by this symbol?

Keep Dry: The package must be protected from rain, moisture, and damp environments.

What orientation instruction is indicated by this symbol?

This Side Up / This Way Up: Specifies the upward vertical orientation in which the package must be stored and transported.

What specific limit is communicated by this cargo packaging mark?

Stack Limit / Max Stack: A maximum of 5 identical units can be safely stacked on top of one another.

What cargo handling warning is denoted by this symbol?

No Hooks: Hooks must not be used to lift, move, or handle the package.

What handling directive is represented by this packaging symbol?

Handle with Care: The package must be handled gently and delicately to prevent damage.

Identify this forklift attachment and its primary operational application.

Carton Clamp: Handles unpalletized goods by applying side hydraulic clamping pressure to cartons, boxes, and appliances.

Identify this forklift attachment and describe its main function.

Paper Roll Clamp: Clamps and manipulates large rolls of paper without causing surface damage, often equipped with rotational capabilities.

What is the name of this forklift attachment, and what is it used for?

Drum Handler: Specifically designed to grasp, lift, and transport standard steel and plastic cylindrical drums safely.

Identify this forklift attachment and explain its role in pallet-less handling.

Push-Pull Attachment: Uses a gripping mechanism and wide platens to pull and push slip sheets, eliminating the need for wooden pallets.

Identify this attachment designed for handling textiles and rolls.

Carpet Pole Attachment: A long cylindrical probe inserted into the center core of rolled goods (such as carpets or coils) to lift them without exterior damage.

What forklift attachment is depicted here, and what capability does it provide?

Jib Crane Attachment: Converts a forklift into a mobile crane with an extendable boom and hook, allowing overhead lifting of awkward or suspended loads such as pipes and beams.

What fundamental vehicle stability concept is illustrated in this diagram?

The Stability Triangle: A three-point boundary formed by the two front load wheels (B and C) and the center pivot of the rear steer axle (A). The combined center of gravity must remain inside this area to avoid tipping.

What mechanical principle is represented in this counterbalance diagram?

The seesaw (lever and fulcrum) principle: The front axle acts as the fulcrum where the weight of the load on the forks is counterbalanced by the heavy counterweight at the rear.

According to the green line on this load capacity chart, what is the maximum lifting capacity for a load center of $600\text{ mm}$ at a lift height of $6000\text{ mm}$?

The maximum capacity is $900\text{ kg}$.

What must an operator do with the forklift and controls upon completing work and handing over the equipment?

Lower the forks fully to the ground, set the transmission to neutral, firmly apply the parking brake, shut off the engine, and remove the key to prevent unauthorized operation.