Using a Standard Counterbalance forklift
1 Perform a pre-shift inspection before utilizing the machine. Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines state that a pre-shift checklist should be performed at the beginning of each work shift. Every different equipment along 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. First make sure that your seatbelt is fastened and the seat is securely in place and adjusted for your comfort. Look underneath the machinery after you move it for any signs of leaks. The operation of every type of forklift is different.
3 Don't forget differences in the basics of lift truck operation compared to a standard vehicle. The rear end swing of the forklift occurs because of the fact that the truck steers using its rear wheels. Disregarding this detail is a major reasons for accidents and injuries to employees. The nearly 90-degree turn from the front wheels must be made with great caution. These top-heavy equipment have a high center of gravity even without a load. When moving or lifting 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 correctly with the pallet. Lift the load just as high as is needed, tilting it back to help stabilize the machine. Only drive backwards if the load is very big that it interferes with driver vision.
5 Before unloading and loading, check the wheels on trucks/trailers. When carrying a load, it is not advised to travel on inclines. The equipment can tip over on a slope. When driving on a slope is unavoidable, always drive up the slope and back down. The load must be kept on the uphill side of the truck.
6 The driver must be firmly in control at all times. The primary cause of operator injuries is tip-over. 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.