Operating a Regular Counterbalance lift truck
1 Perform a pre-shift check before using the machine. or OSHA guidelines state that a pre-shift checklist should be performed at the beginning of each work shift. Every different machinery together with its attachments has its own checklist listing emergency brakes, lights, brakes, steering, controls, horn and safety features.
2 Start up the machine and check controls. Primarily ensure your seatbelt is fastened and the seat is securely in place and adjusted for your comfort. Look under the machinery after you move it for any signs of leaks. The operation of every kind of lift truck is different.
3 The basic operation of a machine is basically as opposed to a standard vehicle. The lift truck has a rear end swing of the lift truck happens as the truck steers utilizing its rear wheels. Forgetting this information is a major reasons for accidents and injuries 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 Keep forks close to the floor when traveling. Use care when approaching loads. Be certain the forks line up correctly with the pallet. Lift the load only as high as is needed, tilting it back to help stabilize the equipment. Only drive backwards if the load is very big that it interferes with the vision of the driver.
5 Before loading and unloading, check the wheels on trailers/trucks. When carrying a load, it is not advised to travel on inclines. The machinery is susceptible to tip-overs on a slope. When driving on an incline is unavoidable, always drive up the slope and back down. The load should be kept on the uphill side of the truck.
6 The forklift driver must always be in firm control all the time. Tipping over is the primary cause of operator injuries. The operator 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 gripping the steering wheel and bracing your feet.