Be Alert When Driving a Forklift Truck
A forklift is a large piece of equipment and therefore safety measures must be taken when operating these trucks. Forklift operators are required by law to be trained and qualified to utilize the equipment. Anybody who misuses a forklift truck can be charged with an offence. Abuse of this potentially dangerous machinery could lead to fatality or serious injury. Safe use of a forklift truck involves paying full attention both to what is happening in the vehicle and to what is happening around the vehicle. Not different to driving a car, operating a forklift requires keeping your attention on the road and being alert of pedestrians and other vehicles.
Essential forklift driving guidelines
Accidents at the worksite are far too frequent. On the other hand, a lot of accidents are avoidable by minimalizing the chances while working with machinery which are dangerous and heavy.
The majority of operating surfaces are relatively uneven and rough are normally encountered while driving a lift truck. The biggest hazards are dock bridges, dock platforms, pot holes, bumps, ramps and inclines. Forklifts are engineered to handle surfaces that are rough, but it is up to the operator to watch out for these dangers to keep control of the truck.
Visibility is one of the crucial factors in forklift mishaps. The operator is responsible for ensuring clear visibility when utilizing a forklift by inspecting that mirrors are positioned properly and that all windows are clean and unobstructed. If a load is positioned in such a way that it obstructs visibility for the operator, then the operator should put the lift truck in reverse and carefully back down the ramp.
Operators are required by law to make certain that daily inspections are made to the forklift and its parts. On a weekly basis, more methodical inspections should also be done. The tires, forks, engine, brakes and the rest must always be tested to ensure good working condition. Proper inspections can help to prevent injury and mishaps.