Be Aware When Using a Forklift Truck
Lift trucks are large industrial equipment making safety a key concern when using these kinds of trucks. The forklift operators are required by law to be trained and qualified prior to driving these machines. Anyone who misuses a forklift truck could be charged with an offence. Abuse of this potentially dangerous equipment can cause fatality or serious injury. Safe use of a forklift truck includes paying attention both to what is happening around the vehicle and to what is happening inside the vehicle. Not unlike driving an automobile, operating a forklift requires being aware of other vehicles and pedestrians and keeping your attention on the road.
Essential forklift driving guidelines
Worksite accidents are all too frequent. Nonetheless, numerous mishaps are avoidable by lessening the chances while working with heavy and dangerous machinery.
Uneven surfaces and drops are usually encountered while driving a lift truck since most operating surfaces are somewhat uneven and rough. The largest dangers are generally bumps, pot holes, dock bridges, dock platforms, inclines and ramps. Forklifts are made to handle uneven surfaces, but it is the operators responsibility to watch out for these dangers to keep control of the truck.
Amongst the main factors in lift truck mishaps is visibility. Operators are ultimately responsible for making sure that their lift truck is used with clear visibility. This could be helped by inspecting to make sure that mirrors are properly positioned and windows are clean and unobstructed. If a load is positioned in such a way that it obscures visibility for the operator, then the operator must put the forklift in reverse and cautiously back down the ramp.
Operators are required by law to make sure that daily checks are made to the forklift and its components. On a weekly basis, more thorough exams should also be done. The engine, brakes, forks, tires and the rest should always be tested in order to guarantee proper working condition. Proper inspections can help to avoid accidents and injury.