Be Aware When Using a Forklift Truck
A lift truck is a big piece of equipment and thus safety measures must be taken when using these trucks. Forklift operators are required by law to be trained and certified to operate the equipment. Anyone who misuses a lift truck truck can be charged with an offence. Misuse of this potentially dangerous machinery could lead to serious injury or fatality. Safe operation of a forklift truck includes paying full attention both to what is happening around the vehicle and to what is happening in the vehicle. Not unlike driving a car, driving a lift truck requires keeping your attention on the road and being aware of pedestrians and other vehicles.
Essential forklift driving tips
Workplace accidents are all too common. Nonetheless, many accidents are avoidable by minimalizing the chances while working with equipment that are dangerous and heavy.
Uneven surfaces and drops are commonly encountered while operating a forklift since the majority of operating surfaces are relatively uneven and rough. The largest dangers are pot holes, bumps, dock platforms, dock bridges, 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.
Visibility is one of the crucial factors in lift truck accidents. The operator is responsible for ensuring clear visibility when using a lift truck 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 obscures visibility for the operator, then the operator has to put the forklift in reverse and back down the ramp carefully.
Operators are required by law to ensure that daily inspections are made to the forklift and its parts. Weekly, more thorough inspections must also be done. The brakes, engine, forks, tires and so on should always be tested so as to ensure good working order. Proper testing could help to prevent mishaps and injury.