Utilizing a Standard Counterbalance lift truck
1 Before operating the equipment, carry out a pre-shift inspection. Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines do state that pre-shift checklists have to be carried out every day or each shift. Each different equipment and its attachments has its own checklist listing lights, emergency brakes, brakes, steering, horn, controls and safety features.
2 Start up the machine and check controls. Primarily make sure that your seatbelt is fixed firmly and the seat is firmly in place and adjusted for your comfort. Look underneath the machinery after you move it for any indications of leaks. The operation of every kind of lift truck is different.
3 The basic operation of a machinery is really as opposed to a standard motor vehicle. The lift truck has a rear end swing of the lift truck occurs because the truck steers with its rear wheels. Forgetting this detail is a major cause of accidents and injuries to workers. The almost 90-degree turn from the front wheels must be made with great caution. These top-heavy equipment have a high center of gravity even without a load. When transporting or lifting a load this top-heaviness is exacerbated.
4 Keep forks near the ground when traveling. Use caution when approaching loads. Be sure the forks line up properly with the pallet. Lift the load just as high as is required, tilting it back to help stabilize the machinery. Only drive backwards if the load is very bulky that it interferes with driver vision.
5 Check the wheels on trucks/trailers prior to unloading and loading. Do not travel on inclines, specially when carrying a load. The equipment is susceptible to tip-overs on a slope. When driving on an incline is unavoidable, always drive up the incline and back down. The load must be kept on the uphill side of the truck.
6 The forklift driver should always be in firm control all the time. Tipping over is the main reason for operator injuries. The operator should 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.