Using a Regular Counterbalance forklift
1 Prior to operating the machine, carry out a pre-shift inspection. Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines do state that pre-shift checklists need to be carried out each day or each shift. Each and every different machinery as well as its attachments has its own checklist listing emergency brakes, lights, brakes, steering, 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 underneath the machinery after you move it for any indications of leaks. The operation of each type of lift truck is different.
3 Don't forget differences in the basics of lift truck operation compared to a standard vehicle. The forklift's rear end swing occurs because of the fact that the truck steers with its rear wheels. Disregarding this fact is a main cause of injuries and accidents to workers. The nearly 90-degree turn from the front wheels must be made with great caution. These top-heavy machinery have a high center of gravity even without a load. When lifting or moving a load this top-heaviness is exacerbated.
4 When traveling, keep the forks close to the floor and utilize caution when approaching loads. Make sure that the forks line up with the pallet. Lift the load just as high as is necessary, tilting it back to help stabilize the equipment. Only drive backwards if the load is very big that it interferes with driver vision.
5 Prior to loading and unloading, check the wheels on trailers/trucks. When lifting a load, it is not advised to travel on slopes. The machine can tip over on an incline. When driving on a slope is necessary, always drive up the slope and back down. The load must be kept on the uphill side of the truck.
6 The lift truck driver should always be in firm control all the time. Tipping over is the primary cause of operator injuries. The operator should never try to jump out of the truck in case of a tip-over. The safest method is to lean away from the direction of fall while holding the steering wheel and bracing your feet.