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Forklifts are a vital piece of equipment for all sorts of businesses, from factories to warehouses. However, when they’re not used properly, these machines can pose a serious hazard for operators and coworkers alike. If your business is looking for a forklift for sale to improve its material handling operations, it’s crucial to understand how to safely operate this machine. Keep reading to learn how to safely operate a forklift.
How to inspect a forklift before use?
A forklift should be inspected before every use to ensure it’s in good working condition can safe for the driver and other people in the vicinity. Any damaged parts or malfunctioning components could pose a severe risk for anyone around the forklift while it’s in use. There are a few things that you should inspect on a lift truck before using it, including its overall condition and parts, fuel level, brakes, and load capacity.
Look for damage or wear on the forks, tires, frame, and other parts first. Make sure all safety features are working correctly before moving on with the inspection. Next, make sure there is enough fuel in the tank to complete your task. Do not operate a forklift that is running out of fuel. You need to ensure the brakes are functioning correctly and adjust them as necessary as well. Finally, check to make sure the forklift’s load capacity can handle the weight of the object you want to lift.
Use the correct forks for the load.
When using a forklift, use the correct forks for the load. The wrong fork can cause the load to tip over or be unstable. The forks are adjustable, so they can be raised or lowered to fit the load. The forks should also be spread apart enough to fit around the object being lifted. When lifting a heavy object, remember to keep the forklift as level as possible. Tilting the forklift can cause the object to fall off or instability in the lift.
Keep your forks close to the ground and never over-extend them.
When handling a load with a forklift, operators must take several precautions to avoid potential accidents. The most important rule is to never over-extend the forks or lift the load beyond the rated capacity of the forklift.
When you are operating a forklift, keep the forks 6 to 10 inches off the ground. This will help avoid potential hazards on the ground, such as potholes, cracks, and other objects. If you are not careful, you could cause damage to the forklift, the objects you are moving, yourself, or others.
Stay aware of your surroundings.
A forklift is a large, powerful piece of machinery that can cause a lot of damage if not operated safely. It’s crucial to always be aware of your surroundings and be sure to take all necessary precautions when using a forklift.
Make sure you’re aware of the other people and equipment around you. Keep a safe distance from other people and equipment and never operate a forklift too close to other people or equipment.
If your facility needs a forklift to go onto a roadway to reach other parts of your facility, make sure you’re familiar with the local traffic laws and obey them when operating a forklift. Finally, use caution when turning as forklifts can be difficult to maneuver.
How to work around power lines with a forklift?
If you’ll be operating a forklift around power lines, you need to be aware of the clearance required between the power lines and the forklift. The rule of thumb is that there should be no less than 10 feet of clearance between the equipment and the power lines. If this clearance cannot be maintained, then special precautions must be taken. First, it is important to know the height of the forklift and the voltage of the power line.
The next step is to calculate the safe working distance (SWD). This can be done by multiplying the height of the forklift by 1.5 and then adding 10 feet. So, if you have a 12-foot lift truck, your SWD would be 19 feet. If you are within this length, you can operate safely as long as you do not come in contact with any part of your vehicle or load against energized conductors. If you are outside of this distance, then you must de-energize or isolate the power line before proceeding.
Stay safe with your facility’s forklifts.
Overall, it’s critical to safely operate a forklift. This includes following the proper safety procedures and being aware of your surroundings. By doing so, you can help avoid accidents and injuries.