Inspecting your Fork Truck for Safety
A fork truck, like any industrial equipment, must be operated with care. Not like an automobile, a fork truck is steered from the back wheel and thus has a different center of balance. Anybody utilizing a fork truck and everybody working in the vicinity of this particular machine has to know workplace safety guidelines and safe operating procedures.
Safe operation of a lift truck before using it will 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 must be checked carefully. The safety handle must be utilized when the forklift is being mounted.
To guarantee that they are working right, the alarms, lights and horns should be inspected regularly while the monitors and gauges may have to be adjusted. Safety belt must be fastened and seat adjusted prior to starting the truck.
Taking cautious turns and choosing a lower rate of speed will help the operator avoid tipping the equipment. If the load blocks the driver's vision, the truck should be driven in reverse gear. Be aware of the location of any obstacles and pedestrians when driving.
The driver should always sit in the cage enclosure and keep all parts of the body inside the vehicle so as to prevent any risk of injury. The forks must be kept several inches above the floor while driving. Never lower or raise lifts while you are driving or the truck might become unstable. Do not allow anybody to walk under lift when the engines are running.
Stopping at intersections and watching for approaching traffic are basics for driving safely. It is a great idea to sound the horn occasionally and before proceeding when operating within aisles. That way, you would warn any approaching individual to your presence.