Checking your Fork Truck for Safety
A fork truck, similar to any industrial machine, must be utilized with care. Unlike a car, a fork truck is steered from the back wheel and thus has a different center of balance. Anyone working in the vicinity of a fork truck and anyone operating this particular machinery must know safe operating procedures and workplace safety guidelines.
Safe operation of a fork truck initially includes checking the truck before driving it. Operators should check for potential dangers like worn tires and fuel leaks. The lifts, forks as well as the overhead guard must be thoroughly checked. The safety handle must be used when the forklift is being mounted.
To ensure that they are operating properly, the lights, horns and alarms must be checked regularly while the guages and monitors may need to be adjusted. Safety belt should be fastened and seat adjusted prior to starting the truck.
Taking careful turns and choosing a lower rate of speed will help the operator avoid tipping the equipment. If the load blocks the vision of the operator, the truck should be driven in reverse gear. Always be aware of the location of any pedestrians and obstacles while driving.
in order to avoid any chance of injury, the driver should always sit in the cage enclosure and keep all the body parts inside. The forks must be kept several inches above the ground while driving. Never lower or raise lifts when you are driving or the truck can 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 in aisles. That way, you will warn any approaching person to your presence.