Inspecting your Fork Truck for Safety
A fork truck, similar to any industrial machinery, should be operated carefully. Not like an automobile, a fork truck is steered from the rear wheel and hence has a different center of balance. Anybody working in the vicinity of a fork truck and anybody operating this machine needs to know safe operating procedures and workplace safety guidelines.
Safe operation of a fork truck first includes inspecting the truck before utilizing it. Operators must check for potential dangers such as worn tires and fuel leaks. The forks, lifts and the overhead guard should be inspected thoroughly. The safety handle must be utilized when the forklift is being mounted.
To ensure that they are operating correctly, the lights, horns and alarms must be inspected regularly whilst the monitors and gauges might have to be adjusted. Safety belt must be fastened and seat adjusted before starting the truck.
To avoid tipping the equipment, always choose the low rate speed when driving and take turns cautiously. If the load blocks the operator's vision, the truck must be driven in reverse gear. Always be alert of the location of any obstacles and pedestrians when driving.
To avoid any possibility of injury, the operator must always sit within the cage enclosure and keep all parts of the body inside. The forks must be kept several inches above the ground when driving. Never raise or lower lifts while you are driving or the truck could become unstable. Do not permit 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 really a great idea to sound the horn periodically and before proceeding when operating within aisles. That way, you would warn any approaching individual to your presence.