Be Alert When Driving a Forklift Truck
A lift truck is a big piece of machinery and therefore safety measures should be taken when using these trucks. Operators of forklifts are required by law to be trained and qualified to utilize the equipment. Anybody who misuses a forklift truck could be charged with an offence. Misuse of this potentially dangerous machinery can cause serious injury or death. Safe use of a lift truck truck includes paying attention both to what is happening in the vehicle and to what is happening around the vehicle. Not different to driving a car, driving a forklift requires keeping your attention on the road and being aware of pedestrians and other vehicles.
Essential forklift driving guidelines
Worksite accidents are all too common. On the other hand, many accidents are avoidable by minimalizing the risks while working with equipment which are both heavy and dangerous.
Rough surfaces and drops are usually encountered while driving a lift truck as most operating surfaces are somewhat rough and uneven. The largest dangers are commonly bumps, pot holes, dock platforms, dock bridges, ramps and inclines. Forklifts are made to deal with uneven surfaces, but it is up to the operator to keep control of the truck and to be on the lookout for these hazards.
One of the main factors in lift truck accidents is visibility. Operators are ultimately responsible for making sure that their lift truck is used with clear visibility. This can be helped by inspecting to make sure that mirrors are properly positioned and windows are unobstructed and clean. If a load is positioned in such a way that it obstructs visibility for the driver, then the operator should put the lift truck in reverse and carefully back down the ramp.
Operators of forklifts are legally required to carry out every day checks of the forklift truck and its parts. A more thorough inspection should be conducted on a weekly basis. The forks, tires, brakes, engine and so forth should always be tested to guarantee good working condition. Proper inspections can help to prevent accidents and injury.