Checking your Fork Truck for Safety
A fork truck, like any industrial equipment, should be utilized with care. Not like an automobile, a fork truck is steered from the rear wheel and thus has a different center of balance. Anybody operating a fork truck and everyone working within the vicinity of this particular machine should know workplace safety guidelines and safe operating measures.
Safe operation of a lift truck before driving it would include a visual inspection. Worn tires and fuel leaks are potential dangers that an operator has to check. The forks, lifts as well as the overhead guard should be inspected carefully. The safety handle should be used only when the forklift is being mounted.
To ensure that they are operating properly, the horns, alarms and lights should be inspected regularly whilst the guages and monitors might need to be adjusted. The seat must 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 equipment. If the load blocks the driver's vision, the truck must be driven in reverse gear. Always be alert of the location of any obstacles and pedestrians while driving.
The driver should always sit within the cage enclosure and keep all parts of the body inside the vehicle so as to avoid any possibility of injury. The forks should be kept several inches above the floor when driving. Never raise or lower lifts while 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 good idea to sound the horn occasionally and before proceeding when operating within aisles. That way, you would alert any approaching individual to your presence.