Operating a Regular Counterbalance lift truck
1 Carry out a pre-shift inspection 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 along with its attachments has its own checklist listing lights, emergency brakes, brakes, steering, controls, horn and safety features.
2 Start up the equipment and check controls. Primarily make sure that your seatbelt is fastened and the seat is firmly in place and adjusted for your comfort. Look under the machinery after you move it for any signs of leaks. The operation of each type of lift truck is different.
3 Don't forget differences in the basics of forklift operation compared to a regular motor vehicle. The forklift's rear end swing occurs due to the fact that the truck steers with its rear wheels. Disregarding this detail is a main cause of accidents and injuries to workers. The nearly 90-degree turn from the front wheels must be done with great caution. These top-heavy machinery have a high center of gravity even without a load. When transporting or lifting a load this top-heaviness is exacerbated.
4 Keep forks close to the ground when traveling. Use 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 equipment. Only drive backwards if the load is very bulky that it obstructs the vision of the driver.
5 Prior to loading and unloading, check the wheels on trailers/trucks. When carrying a load, it is not advised to travel on inclines. The machine could tip over on an incline. When driving on an incline is unavoidable, always drive up the incline and back down. The load must be kept on the uphill side of the truck.
6 The driver should be definitely in control all the time. The primary cause of operator injuries is tip-over. The driver must never try to jump out of the truck in case of a tip-over. The safest approach is to lean away from the direction of fall while holding the steering wheel and bracing your feet.