Forklift Safety & Operation
FORKLIFTS BASIC RULES:
Know the capacity and operation characteristics of the forklift.
Never modify or remove any part of the lift.
Buckle-up your seat belt before you start up.
Keep others away from your operation.
Carry load low at a minimum clearance.
Know the danger and warning signs on your machine.
Before you start the workday, take time to check your machine and have all systems in good operational condition.
Check the surface over which you will travel. Look for weak spots on docks, ramps, floors. Look for holes, dropoffs, obstacles.
Check the clearances of doorways, canopies and overheads.
Never approach power lines with any part of the machine.
STARTING SAFETY:
Adjust the seat, fasten the seat belt, set the parking brake and put the controls in neutral before starting up.
START THE ENGINE FROM THE OPERATOR'S SEAT ONLY!!!
After starting the unit, check all gauges and lights. Check the horn
and backup bell. Make sure that all controls are functioning properly.Don't use the machine if it doesn't respond correctly or there is something wrong with it.
When starting the unit in an enclosed area, make sure that there is enough ventilation.
OPERATON:
Know the rated load capacity of your forklift and never exceed it. REFER TO THE MACHINE'S LOAD CHART (if unit has one installed) BEFORE PICKING UP THE LOAD.
Operating conditions (uneven, unpaved, inclined surfaces) can reduce the amount you can lift.
Inspect the load to be moved. If it appears unstable, DON'T MOVE IT!
WARNING: An unbalanced forklift could tip over and cause injury or death.
Operate the controls smoothly; don't jerk the steering wheel or lift controls.
Avoid sudden stops, starts, turns or changes in direction.
NEVER "cowboy" or play games with a forklift.
NEVER attempt to work the controls except from the operator's seat.
NEVER leave the operator's seat without first lowering the forks to the ground, setting the parking brake and placing the controls into neutral.
WARNING: Keep all parts of your body inside the operator's compartment while operating the forklift.
Don't touch, lean on or reach through the mast, boom or lift mechanism or permit others to do so.
WARNING: Your forklift is a ONE-PERSON MACHINE. NEVER PERMIT RIDERS!!
WARNING: Never lift the load over anyone. Keep others away from your operation.
NEVER drive a forklift up to someone standing in front of a fixed object.
WARNING: ALWAYS CARRY THE LOAD LOW FOR MAXIMUM STABILITY. When you travel with a load, keep the forks tilted back and the load as close to the ground as possible.
Be cautious when carrying drums, cylinders, reels or other round objects. Keep forks tilted back or use a tether or tiedown, if necessary.
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO EVALUATE WORKING CONDITIONS AND ADJUST YOUR OPERATION ACCORDINGLY!
Downshift with great care. Sudden deceleration could topple the load. Come to a complete stop before reversing direction. Be alert when operating near the edge of a loading dock, ditch, embankment, etc. Check the overhead clearance.
WARNING: Travel on inclines, slopes, ramps as follows: LOADED ... with forks pointed uphill. UNLOADED ... with forks pointed downhill.
NEVER depress the clutch when going downhill and NEVER coast in neutral.
ALWAYS use a signal person if you can't see the placement point.
Don't leave LP GAS lifts in the vicinity of ovens, furnaces or
radiant heaters.CAUTION: Use extreme caution when placing loads near overhead power lines, water pipes, sprinklers, steam pipe, walkways or other potential hazards.
CAUTION: The pressure locking brake is for temporary stops and MUST NOT be used as a parking brake.
SHUTDOWN:
Come to a complete stop, set parking brake and lower forks to the ground.
Place controls in neutral, idle engine for gradual cooling and shut off engine.
Cycle hydraulic controls to eliminate pressure. Remove ignition key, lock anti-vandalism covers.
Dismount, block wheels if on a slope or incline.
If unit is LPG OPERATED, be sure that the propane tank is shut off when parking