Be Alert When Driving a Forklift Truck
Forklifts are huge industrial machinery making safety a key matter when using these types of trucks. The operators of forklifts are required by law to be trained and qualified prior to driving these machines. Anyone who misuses a lift truck truck could be charged with an offence. Abuse of this potentially dangerous equipment can cause death or serious injury. Safe use of a lift truck truck involves paying attention both to what is happening inside the vehicle and to what is happening around the vehicle. Not different to driving a car, driving a lift truck requires being aware of pedestrians and other vehicles and keeping your attention on the road.
Essential forklift driving tips
Mishaps at the worksite are far too common. Nevertheless, many accidents are avoidable by lessening the risks while working with heavy and dangerous machinery.
Most operating surfaces are relatively uneven and rough are normally encountered while operating a lift truck. The biggest hazards are generally bumps, pot holes, dock platforms, dock bridges, inclines and ramps. Forklifts are designed to deal with rough surfaces, but it is the operators responsibility to keep control of the truck and to watch out for these hazards.
Visibility is one of the key factors in forklift mishaps. The operator is responsible for ensuring clear visibility when using a forklift by checking that mirrors are positioned properly and that all windows are unobstructed and clean. If a load is placed in such a way that it obstructs visibility for the operator, then the driver needs to put the forklift in reverse and carefully back down the ramp.
Forklift operators are legally required to carry out daily inspections of the lift truck truck and its components. A more methodical examination must be performed on a weekly basis. The forks, tires, brakes, engine and so on must always be tested to guarantee that they are properly working. Correct testing can help to avoid injury and accidents.