SAFE DRIVING AND LOAD HANDLING TECHNIQUES

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

education in safe driving and load handling techniques

from a stack by using the hoist hand lever, the operator

is absolutely necessary to prepare the operator for

will discover that with practice the loads can be placed

proper defensive driving and enable him to anticipate

or removed entirely with the tilting mechanism, which is

the unexpected.

designed to raise the load arms slightly as the uprights

are tilted backwards.

2. "Avoid lifting or hitting anything if it appears

that it could fall on the operator or a bystander.

Practice raising the load as the truck is nearing the stack

Remember that a truck equipped with a overhead guard

while coasting into position. This reduces strain on

and load backrest provides reasonable protection to the

engine and on the brakes.

operator from falling objects, but cannot protect against

every possible impact."

5. The operator is urged to study the problem of

load handling, at all times being aware that carefully

This means that an operator should never attempt to

planned operations will produce the maximum amount

pick up any loose, unstable, or stacked load if it appears

of work with the minimum of fatigue to himself and to

that any part of the elevated load might topple through

the lift truck.

or over the top of the upright, or fall on any person who

happens to be standing nearby. It also means that to

TRANSPORTING LOADS

avoid hitting certain objects such as stacked material

which could become dislodged and fall, the operator

1. To transport a load, tilt the uprights as far back

must exercise extreme care while working near such

as the nature of the load will permit and raise the load

objects and must not move his truck around with his

only high enough to clear obstructions. In moving the

load carriage elevated.

load, follow the instructions previously outlined under

"driving the lift truck." Always reduce speed gradually as

3. Have no riders, and use a secured safety

sudden stops will cause excessive brake wear and will

platform when lifting personnel. A fork lift is built only

cause the load to fall forward.

for one rider -- the operator. It is a safety hazard for

anyone to ride the forks of a truck or hitch a ride in any

2. Know the underclearance of the truck, and the

manner. If a truck is used to elevate workmen, a safety

surface upon which you are traveling at all times.

platform must be secured to prevent its slipping from the

forks, and it should have a solid floor and hand rail.

3. When operating a lift truck on a steep incline,

back down with the load.

4. Keep arms, legs, etc., inside the driver's

compartment. Arms and legs outside the machine,

SAFE DRIVING AND LOAD HANDLING TECHNIQUES

coupled with narrow aisles, can be extremely

dangerous.

1. Operators must be trained and qualified. First,

this means the operator must be authorized to drive the

5. Keep yourself and all others clear of the

truck. Second, it means that he must thoroughly

hoisting mechanism, Particularly, never put hand, arms,

understand these safety techniques. And third, it means

head or legs through the up

that he must make sure a qualified person experienced

in operating the truck guides him through at least

several driving and load handling operations before he

attempts to operate the truck on his own. This basic

A-10