The Proper and Safe Way to Use a Forklift
Forklifts are essential equipment which are used to move and lift heavy loads and different supplies. This material handling equipment is utilized daily in our society. Forklifts are found everywhere from a building supply company, in warehouses, at airports and within storage units and department stores. When utilizing a forklift, it is very essential to be fully aware of your surroundings so as to be safe.
First, you should turn the key to power up the forklift. Become familiar with the levers found to the right of the steering wheel. These levers are what you will utilize to transport an item from one place to another and also to maneuver the thing to where it must be positioned.
Secondly, move the forks up and down using the first lever. Pull the lever towards you to move the fork up. In order to move the fork down, push the lever away from your body. Unless you are loading or unloading an item, the forks must ideally be kept close to the ground.
Next, practice utilizing the other two levers before picking up a load. The second lever is responsible for tilting the forks backwards and forwards. In order to tilt the forks forwards, push the lever away from your body. In order to tilt the forks back, pull the levers towards your body. These forks can tilt between 15 and 30 degrees.
The third lever is used to control the movement of the forks from left to right. This is something which you must get used to. From side to side, they could move between 6 and 12 inches. The levers move towards where you would like the forks placed.
Once you are familiar, carefully approach the load you want to pick up. In order to lower the forks, push the first lever away from your body. Drive forward carefully until the forks slide underneath the load. Slightly lift the load by pulling the lever towards you. If the load feels top heavy, be sure to slightly tilt the forks backwards.
You must go slow when you drive around corners. Make certain that you honk the horn situated on the steering wheel to be able to alert other individuals of the approaching machinery. Carefully approach the place where you would be unloading. Utilize the levers to maneuver the load to your final destination.
Stopping the forklift is like stopping a motor vehicle. Slowly step on the brake. It is situated on the left of the accelerator.