Utilizing a Regular Counterbalance forklift
1 Carry out a pre-shift inspection before operating the machine. Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines state that a pre-shift checklist should be done at the beginning of each work shift. Each and every different machine and its attachments has its own checklist listing brakes, steering, lights, emergency brakes, horn, controls and safety features.
2 Start up the machinery and check controls. First make sure that your seatbelt is fixed firmly 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 lift truck is different.
3 The basic operation of a machine is basically compared to a regular motor vehicle. The forklift has a rear end swing of the forklift occurs since the truck steers utilizing its rear wheels. Forgetting this information is a main reasons for injuries and accidents to employees. The nearly 90-degree turn from the front wheels should be performed with great care. These top-heavy machinery have a high center of gravity even without a load. When lifting or transporting a load this top-heaviness is exacerbated.
4 Keep forks near the floor when traveling. Use care when approaching loads. Be sure the forks line up properly with the pallet. Lift the load only as high as is required, tilting it back to help stabilize the equipment. Drive backwards only if the load is so bulky that it interferes with the vision of the driver.
5 Check the wheels on trailers/trucks before unloading and loading. Do not travel on inclines, specially when lifting a load. The machine is prone to tip-overs on a slope. When driving on an incline is necessary, always drive up the slope and back down. The load must be kept on the uphill side of the truck.
6 The forklift driver must always be in firm control all the time. Tipping over is the primary reason for operator injuries. The operator must never try to jump out of the truck in case of a tip-over. The safest approach is to lean away from the direction of fall while gripping the steering wheel and bracing your feet.