Operating a Regular Counterbalance forklift
1 Perform a pre-shift inspection before utilizing the machine. Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines state that a pre-shift checklist should be done at the beginning of every work shift. Each and every different machine and its attachments has its own checklist listing emergency brakes, lights, steering, brakes, horn, controls and safety features.
2 Start up the equipment and check controls. First make sure that your seatbelt is fixed firmly and the seat is securely in place and adjusted for your comfort. Look underneath the equipment after you move it for any indications of leaks. The operation of each type of lift truck is different.
3 The basic operation of a machine is basically compared to a regular vehicle. The forklift has a rear end swing of the lift truck occurs since the truck steers using its rear wheels. Forgetting this fact is a main reasons for accidents and injuries to employees. The nearly 90-degree turn from the front wheels must be made with great caution. These top-heavy machines have a high center of gravity even without a load. When lifting or moving a load this top-heaviness is exacerbated.
4 When traveling, keep the forks close to the floor and use care when approaching loads. Make sure that the forks line up 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 bulky that it interferes with the vision of the operator.
5 Prior to unloading and loading, check the wheels on trucks/trailers. 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 unavoidable, always drive up the slope and back down. The load should 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 reason for 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 holding the steering wheel and bracing your feet.