Operating a Regular Counterbalance lift truck
1 Carry out a pre-shift check before using the equipment. or OSHA guidelines state that a pre-shift checklist must be done at the start of every work shift. Each and every different machinery together with its attachments has its own checklist listing steering, brakes, emergency brakes, lights, controls, horn and safety features.
2 Start up the machinery and check controls. First make sure that your seatbelt is fixed firmly and the seat is firmly in place and adjusted for your comfort. Look under the equipment after you move it for any indications of leaks. The operation of every type of lift truck is different.
3 Don't forget differences in the basics of forklift operation compared to a standard vehicle. The rear end swing of the forklift happens due to the fact that the truck steers utilizing its rear wheels. Forgetting this detail is a main reasons for injuries and accidents to employees. The nearly 90-degree turn from the front wheels should be performed with great care. These top-heavy machinery have a high center of gravity even without a load. When lifting or moving a load this top-heaviness is exacerbated.
4 When traveling, keep the forks near the floor and utilize caution when approaching loads. Make certain that the forks line up with the pallet. Lift the load just as high as is necessary, tilting it back to help stabilize the machinery. Drive backwards only if the load is very big that it interferes with driver vision.
5 Check the wheels on trucks/trailers prior to loading and unloading. Do not travel on inclines, especially when lifting a load. The machine can tip over on a slope. When driving on a slope is necessary, always drive up the slope and back down. The load must be kept on the uphill side of the truck.
6 The lift truck driver should always be in firm control at all times. Tipping over is the primary cause of operator injuries. The operator must never try to jump out of the truck in case of a tip-over. The safest approach is to lean away from the direction of fall while holding the steering wheel and bracing your feet.