Operating a Standard Counterbalance lift truck
1 Perform a pre-shift inspection before utilizing the equipment. Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines state that a pre-shift checklist should be done at the start of each work shift. Each different equipment together with its attachments has its own checklist listing brakes, steering, emergency brakes, lights, controls, horn and safety features.
2 Start up the equipment and check controls. Primarily ensure your seatbelt is fastened and the seat is firmly in place and adjusted for your comfort. Look beneath the machinery after you move it for any signs of leaks. The operation of each type of lift truck is different.
3 The basic operation of a vehicle is really as opposed to a regular vehicle. The forklift has a rear end swing of the lift truck occurs because the truck steers using its rear wheels. Forgetting this detail is a main reasons for injuries and accidents to employees. The nearly 90-degree turn from the front wheels should be performed with utmost care. These top-heavy equipment have a high center of gravity even without a load. When lifting or transporting a load this top-heaviness is exacerbated.
4 Keep forks near the ground when traveling. Utilize care when approaching loads. Be sure the forks line up properly with the pallet. Lift the load only as high as is necessary, tilting it back to help stabilize the equipment. Drive backwards only if the load is so bulky that it interferes with the vision of the driver.
5 Check the wheels on trailers/trucks prior to loading and unloading. Do not travel on inclines, particularly when carrying a load. The machinery could tip over on a slope. 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 operator must be firmly in control at all times. The main reason for operator injuries is tip-over. The driver should 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 gripping the steering wheel and bracing your feet.