Be Alert When Driving a Forklift Truck
A lift truck is a large piece of machine and therefore safety measures must be taken when operating these trucks. Operators of forklifts are required by law to be trained and qualified to operate the machinery. Anyone who misuses a lift truck truck can be charged with an offence. Misuse of this potentially dangerous equipment can cause death or serious injury. 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 an automobile, driving a forklift requires keeping your attention on the road and being alert of pedestrians and other vehicles.
Important forklift driving suggestions
Workplace accidents are all too common. On the other hand, lots of mishaps are preventable by lessening the chances while working with machines that are heavy and dangerous.
Uneven surfaces and drops are usually encountered while driving a forklift as most operating surfaces are quite uneven and rough. The biggest dangers are commonly pot holes, bumps, dock platforms, dock bridges, ramps and inclines. Forklifts are engineered to deal with uneven surfaces, but it is up to the operator to keep control of the truck and to watch out for these dangers.
Among the main factors in lift truck accidents is visibility. Operators are ultimately responsible for making sure that their forklift is operated with clear visibility. This could be helped by inspecting to make sure that mirrors are correctly positioned and windows are clean and unobstructed. 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 back down the ramp carefully.
Operators are required by law to make certain that every day checks are made to the lift truck and its components. Weekly, more methodical inspections must also be conducted. The brakes, engine, tires, forks and so on must always be checked to guarantee good working condition. Correct testing can help to prevent mishaps and injury.