Inspecting your Fork Truck for Safety
Similar to any industrial machinery, the fork truck must be used with some care. However, not like a car, steering is done on the back wheel giving the equipment a different center of balance. Anyone using a fork truck and everyone working in the vicinity of this particular machinery has to know workplace safety guidelines and safe operating measures.
Safe operation of a forklift prior to utilizing it will involve a visual inspection. Worn tires and fuel leaks are potential dangers that an operator needs to inspect. The forks, lifts as well as the overhead guard must be thoroughly inspected. The safety handle should be used when the forklift is being mounted.
To ensure that they are working right, the alarms, lights and horns should be tested regularly whilst the monitors and gauges might need to be adjusted. Safety belt must be fastened and seat adjusted prior to starting the truck.
Taking cautious turns and choosing a lower rate of speed would help the operator avoid tipping the equipment. If the load blocks the vision of the driver, the truck should be driven in reverse gear. Always be alert of the location of any pedestrians and obstacles while driving.
To prevent any chance of injury, the driver should always sit inside the cage enclosure and keep all the body parts inside. The forks must be kept several inches above the floor when driving. Never raise or lower lifts when you are driving or the truck can become unstable. Never allow anybody to walk under lift when the engines are running.
Basic driving safety involves stopping at intersections and watching for approaching traffic. It is really a great idea to sound the horn occasionally and before proceeding when operating in aisles. That way, you would warn any approaching person to your presence.