Be Alert When Driving a Forklift Truck
Lift trucks are huge industrial machines making safety a key matter when driving these trucks. The operators of forklifts are required by law to be trained and certified prior to operating these machines. Anyone who misuses a forklift truck can be charged with an offence. Misuse of this potentially dangerous machinery can result in serious injury or fatality. Safe operation of a forklift truck involves paying attention both to what is happening in the vehicle and to what is happening around the vehicle. Not different to driving an automobile, driving a lift truck requires being alert of pedestrians and other vehicles and keeping your attention on the road.
Important forklift driving tips
Workplace accidents are all too frequent. However, many accidents are preventable by minimalizing the risks while working with dangerous and heavy equipment.
Most operating surfaces are relatively rough and uneven are usually encountered while operating a forklift. The biggest hazards are commonly dock platforms, dock bridges, pot holes, bumps, ramps and inclines. Forklifts are designed to handle surfaces which are rough, but it is the operators responsibility to keep control of the truck and to watch out for these hazards.
Among the major factors in lift truck mishaps is visibility. Operators are ultimately responsible for making sure that their lift truck is operated with clear visibility. This could be helped by inspecting 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 obstructs visibility for the driver, then the driver must put the forklift in reverse and cautiously back down the ramp.
Operators of forklifts are legally required to carry out daily inspections of the forklift truck and its parts. A more thorough examination should be conducted on a weekly basis. The engine, brakes, forks, tires and so forth should always be tested to guarantee proper working condition. Proper testing can help to avoid injury and accidents.