Using a Regular Counterbalance lift truck
1 Before operating the machinery, perform a pre-shift check. Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines do state that pre-shift checklists need to be carried out every day or every shift. Every different machine and its attachments has its own checklist listing steering, brakes, lights, emergency brakes, controls, horn and safety features.
2 Start up the equipment and check controls. First make sure that your seatbelt is fastened and the seat is securely in place and adjusted for your comfort. Look under the machinery after you move it for any signs of leaks. The operation of every type of forklift is different.
3 The basic operation of a machinery is really compared to a regular vehicle. The lift truck has a rear end swing of the forklift happens since the truck steers using its rear wheels. Disregarding this detail is a main reasons for accidents and injuries to employees. The nearly 90-degree turn from the front wheels must be performed with great caution. These top-heavy equipment have a high center of gravity even without a load. When lifting or moving a load this top-heaviness is exacerbated.
4 Keep forks near the ground when traveling. Use care when approaching loads. Be sure the forks line up correctly 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 very big that it interferes with the vision of the operator.
5 Prior to loading and unloading, check the wheels on trailers/trucks. When lifting a load, it is not advised to travel on slopes. The machine is prone to tip-overs on an incline. When driving on an incline is necessary, always drive up the slope and back down. The load must be kept on the uphill side of the truck.
6 The operator must be definitely in control at all times. The primary reason for operator injuries is tip-over. The driver must never try to jump out of the truck in the event of a tip-over. The safest method is to lean away from the direction of fall while gripping the steering wheel and bracing your feet.