Utilizing a Standard Counterbalance lift truck
1 Carry out a pre-shift inspection prior to operating the equipment. Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines state that a pre-shift checklist must be performed at the beginning of each work shift. Each and every different machinery along with its attachments has its own checklist listing brakes, steering, lights, emergency brakes, controls, horn and safety features.
2 Start up the machine and check controls. Primarily ensure your seatbelt is fixed firmly and the seat is securely in place and adjusted for your comfort. Look underneath the machine after you move it for any indications of leaks. The operation of every kind of forklift is different.
3 The basic operation of a vehicle is really as opposed to a standard vehicle. The forklift has a rear end swing of the lift truck occurs as the truck steers utilizing its rear wheels. Forgetting this information is a major cause of injuries and accidents to employees. The nearly 90-degree turn from the front wheels should be done with great care. These top-heavy equipment have a high center of gravity even without a load. When moving or lifting a load this top-heaviness is exacerbated.
4 Keep forks near the ground when traveling. Use caution when approaching loads. Be certain the forks line up properly with the pallet. Lift the load only as high as is necessary, tilting it back to help stabilize the machine. Only drive backwards if the load is very big that it obstructs the vision of the operator.
5 Before unloading and loading, check the wheels on trucks/trailers. When lifting a load, it is not advised to travel on slopes. The equipment can tip over on a slope. When driving on an incline is unavoidable, always drive up the incline and back down. The load should be kept on the uphill side of the truck.
6 The driver should be firmly in control at all times. The main reason for operator injuries is tip-over. The operator must never try to jump out of the truck in case of a tip-over. The safest way is to lean away from the direction of fall while gripping the steering wheel and bracing your feet.