Operating a Regular Counterbalance lift truck
1 Before utilizing the machinery, carry out a pre-shift check. Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines do state that pre-shift checklists need to be performed each day or every shift. Each and every different equipment together with its attachments has its own checklist listing brakes, steering, emergency brakes, lights, horn, controls and safety features.
2 Start up the equipment and check controls. Primarily ensure your seatbelt is fastened and the seat is firmly in place and adjusted for your comfort. Look beneath the equipment after you move it for any signs of leaks. The operation of each type of forklift is different.
3 Don't forget differences in the basics of forklift operation as opposed to a regular motor vehicle. The rear end swing of the forklift occurs due to the fact that the truck steers with its rear wheels. Disregarding this information is a major cause of accidents and injuries to workers. The nearly 90-degree turn from the front wheels must be made with utmost caution. These top-heavy machines have a high center of gravity even without a load. When lifting or moving a load this top-heaviness is exacerbated.
4 When traveling, keep the forks near the ground and utilize caution when approaching loads. Make certain that the forks line up with the pallet. Lift the load just as high as is required, tilting it back to help stabilize the equipment. Only drive backwards if the load is very bulky that it obstructs the vision of the operator.
5 Check the wheels on trucks/trailers before loading and unloading. Do not travel on slopes, especially when lifting a load. The machinery is susceptible to tip-overs on an incline. When driving on a slope is unavoidable, always drive up the slope and back down. The load should be kept on the uphill side of the truck.
6 The driver must be firmly in control all the time. The primary cause of operator injuries is tip-over. The operator must never try to jump out of the truck in the event 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.