Equipment should be free of all unauthorized attachments. Spilled  gasoline  should  be  cleaned  up  before starting an engine. If flushing is not possible or practical,   the   approved   absorbent   material should  be  used.  Metal  shovel,  metal  grid,  or other  spark-producing  tools  should  not  be  used in  this  process.  When  more  than  a  pint  of gasoline  has  been  spilled,  a  person  should  stand by  with  a  the  extinguisher  while  the  spill  is cleaned  up. A machine which is improperly loaded or which is not in a safe mechanical condition should not be  used. The engine should be stopped and brakes set before the operator leaves the machine. Only  licensed  operators  should  be  permitted  to operate   equipment. Suitable  fire-extinguishing  equipment  should  be available at all times. A truck or trailer should not be unloaded unless it  is  blocked. Floorload  capacity  should  not  be  exceeded. Equipment  should  not  be  operated  in  excess  of the  maximum  speed  limitations. Stacks  should  not  be  bumped  nor  pushed  with power-driven   equipment. Forklift truckss should travel with forks elevated approximately 4 inches above the floor and be parked with the forks resting on the floor. Personnel should not be permitted to stand under loads being hoisted or lowered, nor be allowed to  ride  on  equipment. Personnel may be hoisted with a forklift only when authorized and then only when a safety pallet  is  used. The  load  capacity  should  be  prominently stenciled on a forklift truck; do not overload. Do not load a forklift truck while it is in motion. Tilt the mast back when transporting a load by forklift  truck. Drive forward when transporting a load up a ramp and in reverse when going down a ramp. The   following   paragraphs   discuss   causes   of accidents,  some  specific  danger  areas,  supervisory responsibility,   and   provide   a   checklist   of   safety precautiom CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS Primarily,   accidents   are   caused   by   people. Equipment may be involved, but people handle the equipment.  Most  accidents  are  the  result  of Carelessness, Inexperience,  and/or Wrong attitude. Carelessness Some  locations  are  potential  danger  spots.  The  lack of alertness may cause accidents resulting in injury or death. People working on piers, weather decks, and in the  ship’s  hold  must  be  constantly  on  the  alert  for moving  or  falling  objects.  As  personnel  become familiar with a job, they may try to take “shortcuts; which  place  themselves  and  others  in  danger.  Fatigue is another cause of carelessness. As people tire, they are less alert and more likely to cause an accident. Inexperience Unless  personnel  are  indoctrinated  and  experienced in handling a particular piece of equipment, they should not be allowed to use it except under close supervision. Persons   who   operate   cranes,   capstans,   winches, windlasses and other deck equipment must first get authority  from  the  first  lieutenant.  A  person  may  know how to drive a forklift, but may not be fully aware of the safety precautions that should be observed while operating  it.  Operating  materials-handling  equipment is  not  the  only  way  that  inexperienced  personnel  may cause  accidents.  A  person  working  as  a  cargo  handler for  the  first  time  may  not  be  aware  of  the  dangers involved.  A  minor  mistake  such  as  an  improperly loaded cargo net may result in injury to the operator or someone  else. Attitude Some people work around dangerous machinery or equipment,  explosives,  acids,  electrical  equipment without   mishap. They   take   necessary   safety precautions.   Others,   however,   working   around dangerous   objects   or   in   dangerous   work   become overfamiliar  with  the  dangers. They have a tendency to slack off in the practice of safety. The adage there are old electricians and bold 13-15