Be Alert When Utilizing a Forklift Truck
A lift truck is a big piece of machine and thus safety precautions should be taken when using these trucks. Operators of forklifts are required by law to be trained and qualified to drive the equipment. Anyone who misuses a forklift truck can be charged with an offence. Abuse of this potentially dangerous machine could lead to serious injury or fatality. Safe operation of a forklift truck includes paying attention both to what is happening inside the vehicle and to what is happening around the vehicle. Not unlike driving a car, driving a lift truck requires being aware of other vehicles and pedestrians and keeping your attention on the road.
Important forklift driving guidelines
Mishaps at the worksite are far too common. Nonetheless, many accidents are avoidable by lessening the risks while working with machinery which are dangerous and heavy.
The majority of operating surfaces are quite rough and uneven are usually encountered while driving a forklift. The biggest hazards are pot holes, bumps, dock bridges, dock platforms, inclines and ramps. Forklifts are designed to handle surfaces that are rough, but it is up to the operator to be on the lookout for these dangers to keep control of the truck.
Visibility is amongst the crucial factors in forklift accidents. The operator is responsible for ensuring clear visibility when using a forklift by checking that mirrors are positioned properly and that all windows are clean and unobstructed. If a load is positioned in such a way that it obstructs visibility for the operator, then the driver must put the lift truck in reverse and carefully back down the ramp.
Operators of forklifts are legally required to carry out daily inspections of the forklift truck and its parts. A more methodical examination must be conducted on a weekly basis. The forks, tires, engine, brakes and so on must always be checked to ensure that they are correctly working. Proper inspections can help to prevent injury and mishaps.