Using a Standard Counterbalance forklift
1 Prior to utilizing the equipment, perform a pre-shift check. Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines do state that pre-shift checklists need to be carried out every day or every shift. Each and every different machinery together with its attachments has its own checklist listing emergency brakes, lights, steering, brakes, controls, horn and safety features.
2 Start up the equipment and check controls. First ensure your seatbelt is fastened and the seat is firmly in place and adjusted for your comfort. Look underneath the machine after you move it for any signs of leaks. The operation of every kind of forklift is different.
3 The basic operation of a machinery is basically as opposed to a standard vehicle. The forklift has a rear end swing of the lift truck occurs since the truck steers using its rear wheels. Forgetting this information is a main cause of injuries and accidents to employees. The nearly 90-degree turn from the front wheels should be performed with utmost caution. These top-heavy machines have a high center of gravity even without a load. When lifting or transporting a load this top-heaviness is exacerbated.
4 Keep forks close to the floor when traveling. Utilize care when approaching loads. Be certain the forks line up correctly with the pallet. Lift the load just as high as is needed, tilting it back to help stabilize the machine. Only drive backwards if the load is so big that it obstructs the vision of the driver.
5 Prior to unloading and loading, check the wheels on trailers/trucks. When carrying a load, it is not advised to travel on inclines. The equipment could tip over on an incline. 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 operator must always be in firm control all the time. Tipping over is the primary cause of 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 gripping the steering wheel and bracing your feet.