Using a Regular Counterbalance lift truck
1 Prior to utilizing the equipment, perform a pre-shift inspection. Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines do state that pre-shift checklists have to be carried out each day or every shift. Every different machinery as well as its attachments has its own checklist listing emergency brakes, lights, steering, brakes, controls, horn and safety features.
2 Start up the machine and check controls. First make sure that your seatbelt is fastened and the seat is firmly in place and adjusted for your comfort. Look beneath the machine after you move it for any indications of leaks. The operation of each type of forklift is different.
3 The basic operation of a vehicle is really as opposed to a regular motor vehicle. The forklift has a rear end swing of the forklift occurs since the truck steers with its rear wheels. Forgetting this information is a main reasons for injuries and accidents to employees. The nearly 90-degree turn from the front wheels should be made with great caution. These top-heavy machines have a high center of gravity even without a load. When transporting or lifting a load this top-heaviness is exacerbated.
4 When traveling, keep the forks close to the ground and utilize caution when approaching loads. Make sure that the forks line up with the pallet. Lift the load only as high as is necessary, tilting it back to help stabilize the machinery. Only drive backwards if the load is very bulky that it interferes with 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 inclines. The machinery can tip over on a slope. When driving on an incline is necessary, always drive up the incline and back down. The load should be kept on the uphill side of the truck.
6 The driver must be definitely in control all the time. The primary cause of operator injuries is tip-over. The driver should never try to jump out of the truck in the event of a tip-over. The safest approach is to lean away from the direction of fall while holding the steering wheel and bracing your feet.