Operating a Standard Counterbalance forklift
1 Prior to utilizing the machinery, carry out a pre-shift inspection. Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines do state that pre-shift checklists have to be performed every day or each shift. Each and every different machinery together with its attachments has its own checklist listing brakes, steering, lights, emergency brakes, controls, horn and safety features.
2 When starting up the machinery and check the controls, it is important to make sure that the seatbelt is fixed firmly and the seat has been adjusted for your maximum comfort. Look beneath the machinery after you move it for any indications of leaks. The operation of each kind of forklift is different.
3 The basic operation of a machine is really compared to a standard motor vehicle. The lift truck has a rear end swing of the forklift occurs because the truck steers with its rear wheels. Forgetting this fact is a main cause of injuries and accidents to workers. The almost 90-degree turn from the front wheels must be performed with utmost care. These top-heavy equipment have a high center of gravity even without a load. When lifting or moving a load this top-heaviness is exacerbated.
4 Keep forks close to the floor when traveling. Use care when approaching loads. Be certain the forks line up properly with the pallet. Lift the load only as high as is required, tilting it back to help stabilize the equipment. Only drive backwards if the load is very big that it obstructs driver vision.
5 Before loading and unloading, check the wheels on trailers/trucks. When carrying a load, it is not advised to travel on slopes. The equipment can tip over on an incline. When driving on an incline is necessary, always drive up the incline and back down. The load must be kept on the uphill side of the truck.
6 The operator must be firmly in control at all times. The primary reason for operator injuries is tip-over. The driver must never try to jump out of the truck in the event of a tip-over. The safest way is to lean away from the direction of fall while holding the steering wheel and bracing your feet.