Using a Regular Counterbalance lift truck
1 Prior to operating the machinery, carry out a pre-shift check. Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines do state that pre-shift checklists need to be performed each day or every shift. Each different equipment together with its attachments has its own checklist listing emergency brakes, lights, brakes, steering, controls, horn and safety features.
2 Start up the equipment and check controls. First make sure that your seatbelt is fastened and the seat is firmly in place and adjusted for your comfort. Look underneath the machinery after you move it for any indications of leaks. The operation of each type of lift truck is different.
3 Don't forget differences in the basics of lift truck operation as opposed to a standard vehicle. The forklift's rear end swing occurs because of the fact that the truck steers with its rear wheels. Forgetting this information is a main cause of injuries and accidents to workers. The nearly 90-degree turn from the front wheels must be performed with utmost caution. These top-heavy machinery have a high center of gravity even without a load. When moving or lifting a load this top-heaviness is exacerbated.
4 Keep forks near the ground when traveling. Use care when approaching loads. Be certain the forks line up correctly with the pallet. Lift the load just as high as is needed, tilting it back to help stabilize the machinery. Drive backwards only if the load is so big that it interferes with the vision of the operator.
5 Check the wheels on trucks/trailers before loading and unloading. Do not travel on inclines, specially when lifting a load. The machine is prone to tip-overs on a slope. When driving on an incline is necessary, always drive up the incline and back down. The load must be kept on the uphill side of the truck.
6 The lift truck driver should always be in firm control all the time. Tipping over is the main cause of operator injuries. The driver should never try to jump out of the truck in the event of a tip-over. The safest way is to lean away from the direction of fall while holding the steering wheel and bracing your feet.