Operating a Regular Counterbalance lift truck
1 Prior to using the machinery, carry out a pre-shift inspection. Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines do state that pre-shift checklists need to be carried out each day or every shift. Every different equipment together with its attachments has its own checklist listing steering, brakes, lights, emergency brakes, horn, controls and safety features.
2 When starting up the machinery and check the controls, it is essential to make certain that the seatbelt is fixed firmly and the seat has been adjusted for your maximum comfort. Look under the machinery after you move it for any indications of leaks. The operation of every type of forklift is different.
3 The basic operation of a vehicle is really as opposed to a regular vehicle. The lift truck has a rear end swing of the lift truck occurs because the truck steers utilizing its rear wheels. Disregarding this fact is a major cause of accidents and injuries to workers. The almost 90-degree turn from the front wheels should be performed with great caution. These top-heavy machines have a high center of gravity even without a load. When lifting or moving a load this top-heaviness is exacerbated.
4 When traveling, keep the forks close to the ground and use caution when approaching loads. Make sure that the forks line up with the pallet. Lift the load just as high as is required, tilting it back to help stabilize the machinery. Drive backwards only if the load is so bulky that it obstructs driver vision.
5 Check the wheels on trailers/trucks before unloading and loading. Do not travel on slopes, especially when lifting a load. The machine is prone to tip-overs on an incline. When driving on a slope is unavoidable, always drive up the slope and back down. The load must be kept on the uphill side of the truck.
6 The forklift operator must always be in firm control at all times. Tipping over is the main cause of operator injuries. The operator must never try to jump out of the truck in case of a tip-over. The safest way is to lean away from the direction of fall while holding the steering wheel and bracing your feet.