Inspecting your Fork Truck for Safety
A fork truck, similar to any industrial equipment, must be operated carefully. Not like a car, a fork truck is steered from the back wheel and thus has a different center of balance. Anybody utilizing a fork truck and everybody working within the vicinity of this machine needs to understand workplace safety guidelines and safe operating procedures.
Safe operation of a forklift prior to utilizing it will include a visual inspection. Fluid leaks and worn tires are potential dangers that an operator has to check. The lifts, forks as well as the overhead guard must be carefully checked. The safety handle must be utilized only when the forklift is being mounted.
To guarantee that they are working right, the alarms, lights and horns must be inspected regularly while the guages and monitors might have to be adjusted. The seat must be adjusted and safety belt fastened before starting the truck.
Taking cautious turns and choosing a lower rate of speed would help the operator avoid tipping the machinery. If the load blocks the vision of the operator, the truck must be driven in reverse gear. Always be alert of the location of any pedestrians and obstacles when driving.
The driver should always sit inside the cage enclosure and keep all parts of the body in the vehicle so as to avoid any risk of injury. The forks must be kept several inches above the floor while driving. Never raise or lower lifts while you are driving or the truck might become unstable. Never allow anyone to walk under lift when the engines are running.
Basic driving safety includes stopping at intersections and watching for approaching traffic. It is really a good idea to sound the horn before proceeding as well as occasionally when operating in aisles. That way, you would alert any approaching individual to your presence.