Operating a Standard Counterbalance forklift
1 Carry out a pre-shift inspection prior to operating the machine. or OSHA guidelines state that a pre-shift checklist should be carried out at the beginning of each work shift. Each different machine and its attachments has its own checklist listing steering, brakes, lights, emergency brakes, controls, horn and safety features.
2 Start up the machinery and check controls. First make sure that your seatbelt is fixed firmly and the seat is firmly in place and adjusted for your comfort. Look under the machine after you move it for any signs of leaks. The operation of every kind of lift truck is different.
3 The basic operation of a machine is really compared to a regular vehicle. The forklift has a rear end swing of the lift truck happens as the truck steers using its rear wheels. Disregarding this detail is a major cause of injuries and accidents to employees. The nearly 90-degree turn from the front wheels must be made with utmost caution. 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 When traveling, keep the forks near the floor and utilize care when approaching loads. Make sure that the forks line up with the pallet. Lift the load just as high as is needed, 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 driver.
5 Prior to loading and unloading, check the wheels on trucks/trailers. When carrying a load, it is not advised to travel on slopes. The equipment 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 should be kept on the uphill side of the truck.
6 The operator should be firmly in control all the time. The primary cause of 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 holding the steering wheel and bracing your feet.