Utilizing a Regular Counterbalance lift truck
1 Carry out a pre-shift inspection prior to operating the equipment. Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines state that a pre-shift checklist must be performed at the beginning of every work shift. Each different machine together with its attachments has its own checklist listing emergency brakes, lights, brakes, steering, horn, controls and safety features.
2 Start up the machinery and check controls. First ensure your seatbelt is fastened and the seat is firmly in place and adjusted for your comfort. Look underneath the equipment after you move it for any signs of leaks. The operation of every type of forklift is different.
3 Don't forget differences in the basics of lift truck operation as opposed to a regular vehicle. The rear end swing of the forklift occurs because of the fact that the truck steers using its rear wheels. Disregarding this information is a main reasons for injuries and accidents to workers. The almost 90-degree turn from the front wheels must be performed with great care. 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 close to the floor 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 necessary, tilting it back to help stabilize the machinery. Only drive backwards if the load is very bulky that it interferes with the vision of the operator.
5 Prior to unloading and loading, check the wheels on trucks/trailers. When lifting a load, it is not advised to travel on inclines. The machine is susceptible to tip-overs on an incline. When driving on an incline is unavoidable, always drive up the slope and back down. The load must be kept on the uphill side of the truck.
6 The operator should be definitely in control all the time. The primary reason for operator injuries is tip-over. The driver should never try to jump out of the truck in the event of a tip-over. The safest method is to lean away from the direction of fall while gripping the steering wheel and bracing your feet.