Inspecting your Fork Truck for Safety
A fork truck, like any industrial equipment, should be used carefully. Unlike a car, a fork truck is steered from the rear wheel and thus has a different center of balance. Anyone operating a fork truck and everybody working within the vicinity of this particular machinery has to know safe operating procedures and workplace safety guidelines.
Safe operation of a lift truck prior to utilizing it would involve a visual inspection. Worn tires and fuel leaks are potential dangers that an operator must check. The forks, lifts as well as the overhead guard should be inspected thoroughly. The safety handle should be utilized when the forklift is being mounted.
To guarantee that they are operating properly, the horns, alarms and lights must 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.
Taking cautious turns and choosing a lower rate of speed would help the operator avoid tipping the machine. If the load blocks the vision of the operator, the truck should be driven in reverse gear. Be alert of the location of any pedestrians and obstacles when driving.
in order to avoid any risk of injury, the operator should always sit within the cage enclosure and keep all the body parts inside. The forks must be kept a few inches above the ground when driving. Never lower or raise lifts when you are driving or the truck could become unstable. Never permit anyone to walk under lift when the engines are running.
Basic driving safety involves stopping at intersections and watching for approaching traffic. It is a great idea to sound the horn before proceeding as well as occasionally when operating within aisles. That way, you would alert any approaching person to your presence.