Inspecting your Fork Truck for Safety
A fork truck, like any industrial machinery, should be used carefully. Not like an automobile, a fork truck is steered from the rear wheel and thus has a different center of balance. Anybody utilizing a fork truck and everybody working in the vicinity of this particular machine needs to understand workplace safety guidelines and safe operating measures.
Safe operation of a lift truck prior to utilizing it will involve a visual inspection. Fluid leaks and worn tires are potential dangers that an operator has to check. The forks, lifts and the overhead guard must be thoroughly checked. The safety handle should be utilized just when the forklift is being mounted.
The horns, alarms and lights must be checked to ensure that they are operating well. Gauges and monitors must be adjusted correctly. Safety belt should be fastened and seat adjusted prior to 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 vision of the operator, the truck should be driven in reverse gear. Always be alert of the location of any pedestrians and obstacles while driving.
To avoid any possibility of injury, the operator should always sit within the cage enclosure and keep all parts of the body inside. The forks must be kept a few inches above the ground when driving. Never lower or raise lifts when you are driving or the truck can become unstable. Never 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 good idea to sound the horn before proceeding as well as periodically when operating in aisles. That way, you would warn any approaching individual to your presence.