Utilizing a Standard Counterbalance forklift
1 Prior to operating the equipment, perform a pre-shift check. Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines do state that pre-shift checklists need to be carried out each day or each shift. Every different equipment as well as its attachments has its own checklist listing emergency brakes, lights, brakes, steering, horn, controls and safety features.
2 Start up the equipment and check controls. Primarily make sure that your seatbelt is fastened and the seat is securely in place and adjusted for your comfort. Look underneath 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 forklift occurs as the truck steers utilizing its rear wheels. Forgetting this detail is a main cause of injuries and accidents to workers. The nearly 90-degree turn from the front wheels should be done with great caution. These top-heavy machinery have a high center of gravity even without a load. When transporting or lifting a load this top-heaviness is exacerbated.
4 Keep forks close to the floor when traveling. Utilize caution when approaching loads. Be sure the forks line up properly with the pallet. Lift the load only as high as is needed, tilting it back to help stabilize the machine. Only drive backwards if the load is so bulky that it interferes with the vision of the operator.
5 Prior to unloading and loading, check the wheels on trailers/trucks. When lifting a load, it is not advised to travel on inclines. The machine is prone to tip-overs on a slope. When driving on a slope is unavoidable, always drive up the incline and back down. The load must be kept on the uphill side of the truck.
6 The driver must be definitely in control at all times. The primary reason for operator injuries is tip-over. The operator must never try to jump out of the truck in case of a tip-over. The safest method is to lean away from the direction of fall while holding the steering wheel and bracing your feet.