Inspecting your Fork Truck for Safety
Like any industrial machine, the fork truck should be operated carefully. Though, unlike a car, steering is done on the rear wheel giving the equipment a different center of balance. Anyone utilizing a fork truck and everybody working in the vicinity of this machine should know workplace safety guidelines and safe operating measures.
Safe operation of a forklift before driving it would include a visual inspection. Worn tires and fuel leaks are potential dangers that an operator needs to inspect. The lifts, forks as well as the overhead guard must be inspected thoroughly. The safety handle must be used when the forklift is being mounted.
To ensure that they are working correctly, the alarms, lights and horns must be inspected regularly while the guages and monitors might need to be adjusted. Safety belt should be fastened and seat adjusted prior to starting the truck.
Taking cautious turns and choosing a lower rate of speed would help the operator avoid tipping the equipment. If the load blocks the vision of the driver, the truck should be driven in reverse gear. Be alert of the location of any pedestrians and obstacles when driving.
The operator should always sit inside the cage enclosure and keep all body parts in the vehicle so as to avoid any possibility of injury. The forks should be kept several inches above the floor while driving. Never raise or lower lifts while you are driving or the truck could become unstable. Do not allow anybody to walk under lift when the engines are running.
Stopping at intersections and watching for approaching traffic are basics for driving safely. It is a good idea to sound the horn before proceeding as well as occasionally when operating within aisles. That way, you would warn any approaching individual to your presence.