Be Alert When Using a Forklift Truck
Lift trucks are large industrial equipment making safety a key matter when using these types of trucks. The operators of forklifts are required by law to be trained and certified before utilizing these machinery. Anyone who misuses a forklift truck can be charged with an offence. Misuse of this potentially dangerous machine could cause serious injury or death. Safe use of a forklift truck involves paying attention both to what is happening in the vehicle and to what is happening around the vehicle. Not unlike driving a car, operating a lift truck requires being alert of pedestrians and other vehicles and keeping your attention on the road.
Essential forklift driving tips
Worksite mishaps are all too frequent. Nevertheless, lots of mishaps are avoidable by minimalizing the risks while working with heavy and dangerous machines.
The majority of operating surfaces are relatively uneven and rough are usually encountered while driving a lift truck. The biggest dangers are usually dock platforms, dock bridges, bumps, pot holes, inclines and ramps. Forklifts are made to handle rough surfaces, but it is the operators responsibility to keep control of the truck and to watch out for these dangers.
One of the major factors in forklift accidents is visibility. Operators are ultimately responsible for making certain that their lift truck is operated with clear visibility. This can be helped by checking to make sure that mirrors are properly positioned and windows are unobstructed and clean. If a load is placed in such a way that it obstructs visibility for the forklift driver, then the driver must put the lift truck in reverse and cautiously back down the ramp.
Forklift operators are legally required to perform every day inspections of the lift truck truck and its components. A more thorough examination should be performed weekly. The tires, forks, brakes, engine and so forth must always be tested in order to ensure proper working order. Proper inspections can help to prevent accidents and injury.