Operating a Regular Counterbalance forklift
1 Perform a pre-shift check prior to utilizing the machinery. Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines state that a pre-shift checklist should be carried out at the beginning of every work shift. Each and every different machine and its attachments has its own checklist listing steering, brakes, emergency brakes, lights, controls, horn and safety features.
2 Start up the machine and check controls. First ensure your seatbelt is fastened 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 kind of lift truck is different.
3 The basic operation of a machinery is really compared to a standard vehicle. The forklift has a rear end swing of the forklift happens because the truck steers with its rear wheels. Forgetting this information is a major reasons for accidents and injuries to workers. The almost 90-degree turn from the front wheels should be made with utmost care. These top-heavy machinery have a high center of gravity even without a load. When moving or lifting a load this top-heaviness is exacerbated.
4 Keep forks close to the ground when traveling. Use care when approaching loads. Be sure the forks line up properly with the pallet. Lift the load just as high as is required, 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 operator.
5 Check the wheels on trailers/trucks before unloading and loading. Do not travel on slopes, specially when carrying a load. The machinery is prone to tip-overs on an incline. When driving on a slope is unavoidable, always drive up the incline and back down. The load should be kept on the uphill side of the truck.
6 The operator must be firmly in control at all times. 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 method is to lean away from the direction of fall while holding the steering wheel and bracing your feet.