Inspecting your Fork Truck for Safety
A fork truck, similar to any industrial machine, should be used with care. Not like a car, a fork truck is steered from the rear wheel and thus has a different center of balance. Anybody working in the vicinity of a fork truck and anybody using this machine should know safe operating measures and workplace safety guidelines.
Safe operation of a lift truck before driving it will involve a visual inspection. Fluid leaks and worn tires are potential dangers that an operator should check. The forks, lifts and the overhead guard must be carefully inspected. The safety handle should be used just when the forklift is being mounted.
To guarantee that they are operating properly, the lights, horns and alarms should be inspected on a regular basis while the monitors and gauges might need to be adjusted. The seat must be adjusted and safety belt fastened before starting the truck.
Taking cautious turns and choosing a lower rate of speed would help the operator avoid tipping the equipment. If the load blocks the vision of the operator, the truck should be driven in reverse gear. Be aware of the location of any pedestrians and obstacles when driving.
The driver should always sit in the cage enclosure and keep all parts of the body in the vehicle to prevent any risk of injury. The forks should be kept several inches above the ground while driving. Never lower or raise lifts when you are driving or the truck can become unstable. Never allow anyone 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 good idea to sound the horn before proceeding as well as periodically when operating in aisles. That way, you would warn any approaching person to your presence.