The Safe and Proper Way to Use a Forklift
Forklifts are important machines that are used to transport and lift bulky loads and various materials. This particular material handling equipment is used every day in our society. Forklifts are found everywhere from inside warehouses, a building supply business, in storage units and department stores and at airports. When utilizing a forklift, it is essential to be completely aware of your surroundings in order to be safe.
First, you must turn the key to power up the forklift. Become familiar with the levers found to the right of the steering wheel. These levers are what you will use to transport an object from one place to another and also to maneuver the object to where it needs to be placed.
The next step is to use the first lever to move the forks up and down. Pull the lever towards you to move the fork up. To be able to move the fork down, push the lever away from you. Unless you are loading or unloading an object, the forks should ideally be kept near the ground.
Next, practice using the other two levers before picking up a load. The second lever is used for tilting the forks forwards and backwards. In order to tilt the forks forwards, push the lever away from your body. In order to tilt the forks back, pull the levers towards you. These forks could tilt between 15 and 30 degrees.
The next thing to get used of is using the 3rd lever to control the movement of the forks from the left to right. From side to side, they could move between 6 and 12 inches. The levers move in the direction of where you want the forks positioned.
Once you are familiar, slowly approach the load you wish to pick up. To be able to lower the forks, push the first lever away from your body. Carefully drive forward until the forks slide underneath the load. Carefully lift the load by pulling the lever towards you. If the load feels top heavy, be certain to tilt the forks backwards slightly.
You must go slow when you drive around corners. Make certain that you honk the horn situated on the steering wheel so as to alert other people of the approaching machinery. Carefully approach the place where you will be unloading. Utilize the levers to maneuver the load to your final destination.
Stopping the forklift is like stopping a motor vehicle. Slowly step on the brake. It is found to the left of the accelerator.