Inspecting your Fork Truck for Safety
A fork truck, like any industrial machine, must be used carefully. Not like a car, a fork truck is steered from the back wheel and thus has a different center of balance. Anyone working within the vicinity of a fork truck and anybody using this particular equipment should know safe operating measures and workplace safety guidelines.
Safe operation of a fork truck first includes checking the truck before driving it. Operators must inspect for potential dangers like fluid leaks and worn tires. The lifts, forks and the overhead guard should be checked carefully. The safety handle should be utilized when the forklift is being mounted.
To ensure that they are working right, the lights, horns and alarms should be checked on a regular basis while the guages and monitors may have to be adjusted. The seat should be adjusted and safety belt fastened before 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 operator, the truck should be driven in reverse gear. Always be alert of the location of any obstacles and pedestrians when driving.
in order to prevent any possibility of injury, the driver must always sit within the cage enclosure and keep all parts of the body inside. The forks should be kept several inches above the ground when driving. Never raise or lower lifts while you are driving or the truck can become unstable. Never allow anyone to walk under lift when the engines are running.
Basic driving safety involves stopping at intersections and watching for approaching traffic. It is really a good idea to sound the horn before proceeding as well as occasionally when operating within aisles. That way, you will warn any approaching person to your presence.