Using a Regular Counterbalance lift truck
1 Carry out a pre-shift check prior to using the equipment. Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines state that a pre-shift checklist should be done at the start of every work shift. Every different machinery together with its attachments has its own checklist listing emergency brakes, lights, steering, 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 securely in place and adjusted for your comfort. Look beneath the machinery after you move it for any indications of leaks. The operation of each kind of forklift is different.
3 Don't forget differences in the basics of lift truck operation as opposed to a regular vehicle. The rear end swing of the forklift occurs because of the fact that the truck steers utilizing its rear wheels. Disregarding this fact is a main reasons for injuries and accidents to workers. The almost 90-degree turn from the front wheels should be done with utmost 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 When traveling, keep the forks close to the floor and utilize care when approaching loads. Make certain 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. Drive backwards only if the load is so big that it obstructs the vision of the operator.
5 Check the wheels on trucks/trailers before loading and unloading. Do not travel on inclines, specially when carrying a load. The machinery can tip over on an incline. When driving on an incline is unavoidable, always drive up the incline and back down. The load should be kept on the uphill side of the truck.
6 The operator must be firmly in control at all times. The main 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 gripping the steering wheel and bracing your feet.