Inspecting your Fork Truck for Safety
A fork truck, like any industrial equipment, must be utilized with care. Unlike a car, a fork truck is steered from the back wheel and therefore has a different center of balance. Anyone operating a fork truck and everyone working in the vicinity of this particular equipment needs to understand safe operating measures and workplace safety guidelines.
Safe operation of a lift truck before driving it will include a visual inspection. Worn tires and fuel leaks are potential dangers that an operator has to inspect. The lifts, forks as well as the overhead guard should be carefully checked. The safety handle must be used only when the forklift is being mounted.
To guarantee that they are operating properly, the alarms, lights and horns should be inspected on a regular basis while the monitors and gauges may need to be adjusted. Safety belt should be fastened and seat adjusted before starting the truck.
To prevent tipping the machinery, take turns cautiously and always choose the low rate speed when driving. If the load blocks the operator's vision, the truck should be driven in reverse gear. Be alert of the location of any pedestrians and obstacles when driving.
To prevent any possibility of injury, the operator should always sit within the cage enclosure and keep all parts of the body inside. The forks should be kept a few inches above the ground while driving. Never lower or raise lifts while you are driving or the truck can become unstable. Do not permit 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 occasionally when operating in aisles. That way, you would warn any approaching person to your presence.