Inspecting your Fork Truck for Safety
A fork truck, like any industrial machinery, must be operated with care. Not like a car, a fork truck is steered from the rear wheel and thus has a different center of balance. Anybody operating a fork truck and everybody working in the vicinity of this particular equipment must understand workplace safety guidelines and safe operating procedures.
Safe operation of a lift truck prior to using it will include a visual inspection. Fluid leaks and worn tires are potential dangers that an operator needs to check. The forks, lifts as well as the overhead guard should be carefully checked. The safety handle must be utilized only when the forklift is being mounted.
To guarantee that they are operating right, the alarms, lights and horns should be inspected regularly while the guages and monitors may need to be adjusted. The seat must be adjusted and safety belt fastened before starting the truck.
To avoid tipping the machinery, take turns cautiously and always choose the low rate speed when driving. If the load blocks the vision of the operator, the truck should be driven in reverse gear. Be alert of the location of any obstacles and pedestrians when driving.
The operator must always sit in the cage enclosure and keep all body parts in the vehicle to avoid any risk of injury. The forks must be kept several inches above the floor while driving. Never lower or raise lifts when you are driving or the truck could become unstable. Never allow anybody to walk under lift when the engines are running.
Basic driving safety involves stopping at intersections and watching for approaching traffic. It is a good idea to sound the horn before proceeding as well as occasionally when operating within aisles. That way, you would alert any approaching individual to your presence.