Operating a Standard Counterbalance forklift
1 Prior to operating the machinery, carry out a pre-shift check. OSHA guidelines do state that pre-shift checklists have to be carried out each day or every shift. Each and every different machinery along with its attachments has its own checklist listing brakes, steering, emergency brakes, lights, controls, horn and safety features.
2 Start up the machine and check controls. Primarily 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 every kind of forklift is different.
3 The basic operation of a vehicle is basically compared to a regular vehicle. The lift truck has a rear end swing of the lift truck occurs because the truck steers with its rear wheels. Disregarding this information is a major cause of injuries and accidents to workers. The nearly 90-degree turn from the front wheels must be made with great care. These top-heavy machines 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 floor when traveling. Use care when approaching loads. Be certain the forks line up properly with the pallet. Lift the load only as high as is needed, tilting it back to help stabilize the machine. Drive backwards only if the load is so big that it obstructs the vision of the driver.
5 Check the wheels on trucks/trailers before loading and unloading. Do not travel on slopes, especially when lifting a load. The equipment could tip over on an incline. When driving on a slope is necessary, always drive up the incline and back down. The load must be kept on the uphill side of the truck.
6 The forklift operator should always be in firm control all the time. Tipping over is the primary cause of operator injuries. The operator 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.