Operating a Regular Counterbalance lift truck
1 Before utilizing the machinery, perform a pre-shift check. Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines do state that pre-shift checklists need to be performed every day or every shift. Each and every different machine and its attachments has its own checklist listing brakes, steering, emergency brakes, lights, controls, horn and safety features.
2 Start up the equipment 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 machine after you move it for any signs of leaks. The operation of every kind of forklift is different.
3 Don't forget differences in the basics of lift truck operation compared to a regular vehicle. The rear end swing of the forklift occurs due to the fact that the truck steers utilizing its rear wheels. Forgetting this information is a main cause of accidents and injuries to workers. The almost 90-degree turn from the front wheels must be performed with utmost care. These top-heavy equipment 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 near the floor and utilize caution when approaching loads. Make certain that the forks line up with the pallet. Lift the load only as high as is required, tilting it back to help stabilize the machine. Drive backwards only if the load is so bulky that it interferes with the vision of the operator.
5 Before loading and unloading, check the wheels on trailers/trucks. When lifting a load, it is not advised to travel on slopes. The machine is prone 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 driver should be definitely in control at all times. The primary reason for operator injuries is tip-over. The operator should never try to jump out of the truck in the event of a tip-over. The safest way is to lean away from the direction of fall while gripping the steering wheel and bracing your feet.