Operating a Standard Counterbalance lift truck
1 Carry out a pre-shift check prior to operating the equipment. Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines state that a pre-shift checklist must be carried out at the start of every work shift. Each different machine and its attachments has its own checklist listing steering, brakes, emergency brakes, lights, controls, horn and safety features.
2 When starting up the machine 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 underneath the machine after you move it for any indications of leaks. The operation of each kind of lift truck is different.
3 The basic operation of a machine is basically compared to a standard motor vehicle. The forklift has a rear end swing of the forklift occurs as the truck steers using its rear wheels. Forgetting this information is a major reasons for accidents and injuries to workers. The nearly 90-degree turn from the front wheels should be done with utmost 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. Utilize caution when approaching loads. Be certain the forks line up properly with the pallet. Lift the load just as high as is necessary, tilting it back to help stabilize the machinery. Only drive backwards if the load is so big that it obstructs the vision of the driver.
5 Prior to loading and unloading, check the wheels on trucks/trailers. When lifting a load, it is not advised to travel on inclines. The machine is susceptible to tip-overs on an incline. When driving on a slope is necessary, always drive up the incline and back down. The load must be kept on the uphill side of the truck.
6 The lift truck operator should always be in firm control all the time. Tipping over is the main reason for operator injuries. The operator should never try to jump out of the truck in case of a tip-over. The safest method is to lean away from the direction of fall while holding the steering wheel and bracing your feet.