Be Aware When Driving a Forklift Truck
Lift trucks are large industrial machines making safety a key concern when using these kinds of trucks. The operators of forklifts are required by law to be taught and qualified prior to operating these machinery. Anyone who misuses a forklift truck could be charged with an offence. Misuse of this potentially dangerous machine could lead to serious injury or death. Safe use of a forklift truck involves paying full attention both to what is happening around the vehicle and to what is happening inside the vehicle. Not different to driving a car, operating a forklift requires being alert of pedestrians and other vehicles and keeping your attention on the road.
Important forklift driving guidelines
Workplace accidents are all too common. Nevertheless, a lot of mishaps are avoidable by minimalizing the risks while working with equipment that are heavy and dangerous.
The majority of operating surfaces are quite rough and uneven are commonly encountered while driving a forklift. The biggest dangers are usually pot holes, bumps, dock platforms, dock bridges, ramps and inclines. Forklifts are engineered to deal with rough surfaces, but it is the operators responsibility to be on the lookout for these hazards to keep control of the truck.
Visibility is amongst the key factors in lift truck mishaps. The operator is responsible for ensuring clear visibility when utilizing a lift truck by checking that mirrors are positioned properly and that all windows are clean and unobstructed. If a load is placed in such a way that it obstructs visibility for the operator, then the operator should put the lift truck in reverse and cautiously back down the ramp.
Operators are required by law to make sure that daily inspections are made to the lift truck and its components. Weekly, more methodical inspections should also be conducted. The tires, forks, engine, brakes and so forth should always be tested to guarantee that they are correctly working. Correct testing can help to avoid injury and mishaps.