Checking your Fork Truck for Safety
A fork truck, similar to any industrial equipment, should be used carefully. Not like a car, a fork truck is steered from the rear wheel and hence has a different center of balance. Anybody operating a fork truck and everybody working in the vicinity of this particular machine has to understand safe operating procedures and workplace safety guidelines.
Safe operation of a forklift prior to using it would involve a visual inspection. Fluid leaks and worn tires are potential dangers that an operator should check. The forks, lifts and the overhead guard should be inspected carefully. The safety handle should be used when the forklift is being mounted.
The lights, horns and alarms must be inspected to ensure that they are operating well. Monitors and gauges should be adjusted properly. Safety belt should be fastened and seat adjusted prior to starting the truck.
To avoid tipping the equipment, always choose the low rate speed when driving and take turns cautiously. If the load blocks the vision of the driver, the truck should be driven in reverse gear. Always be alert of the location of any pedestrians and obstacles while driving.
in order to prevent any chance of injury, the operator must always sit within the cage enclosure and keep all parts of the body inside. The forks must be kept a few inches above the floor when driving. Never raise or lower lifts while you are driving or the truck might become unstable. Never allow anybody to walk under lift when the engines are running.
Basic driving safety includes stopping at intersections and watching for approaching traffic. It is really a great idea to sound the horn periodically and before proceeding when operating within aisles. That way, you would alert any approaching individual to your presence.