Be Alert When Operating a Forklift Truck
A lift truck is a big piece of machinery and hence safety precautions must be taken when using these kinds of\these types of trucks. Operators of forklifts are required by law to be taught and qualified to drive the machine. Anybody who misuses a forklift truck could be charged with an offence. Misuse of this potentially dangerous machinery can lead to death or serious injury. Safe use of a forklift truck involves paying complete attention both to what is happening around the vehicle and to what is happening in the vehicle. Not unlike driving an automobile, driving a lift truck requires keeping your attention on the road and being alert of pedestrians and other vehicles.
Important forklift driving suggestions
Workplace accidents are all too frequent. On the other hand, many mishaps are avoidable by lessening the risks while working with equipment which are both dangerous and heavy.
Uneven surfaces and drops are usually encountered while operating a forklift because most operating surfaces are relatively uneven and rough. The largest hazards are dock bridges, dock platforms, pot holes, bumps, ramps and inclines. Forklifts are engineered to deal with surfaces that are rough, but it is the operators responsibility to keep control of the truck and to watch out for these hazards.
One of the major factors in forklift mishaps is visibility. Operators are ultimately responsible for making sure that their lift truck is used with clear visibility. This could be helped by checking to make sure that mirrors are properly positioned and windows are unobstructed and clean. If a load is placed in such a way that it obscures visibility for the operator, then the driver should put the forklift in reverse and carefully back down the ramp.
Operators are required by law to make sure that every day checks are made to the forklift and its components. On a weekly basis, more thorough inspections must also be conducted. The forks, tires, brakes, engine and so forth must always be checked so as to ensure that they are correctly working. Correct testing can help to prevent injury and mishaps.