Strictly observe the following load handling techniques:

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

12. Do not fill the fuel tank while the engine is

right or near the carriage or hoisting chains. This

running. Fires and explosions can result from failure to

applies not only to the driver but also to his helper. A

follow this simple rule.

helper should not be near the load or hoisting

mechanism while the driver is attempting to pick up,

13. Avoid sudden starts or stops. Unsuspecting

hoist, or deposit a load.

bystanders or close-by material can be damaged by a

truck suddenly jumping into motion and possibly going

6. Allow no one under the load or carriage. Even if

out of control. Sudden starts can hurt the truck too.

the operator has an overhead guard his helper does not.

Tires are worn, axles can be snapped, and gears

Therefore, absolutely no one should be allowed

stripped. Sudden stops can also cause you to lose a

underneath an elevated load or carriage.

load. Remember -- skid marks are a sign of bad driving.

7. Report damage or faulty operation immediately

14. Watch clearances, especially forks, upright,

-- Do not operate the truck until it is corrected. A lift

overhead guard and tail swing. Because a lift truck is

truck will only do its job safely when it is in proper

designed to perform such a wide variety of functions

working order. A truck should absolutely never be

within limited space, there are certain clearance

operated when a malfunction exists.

situations which the driver must anticipate. The driver

must be aware that his forks sometimes protrude

8. Avoid bumps, holes, slick spots, and loose

beyond the front of the load. Because of this he may

materials that may swerve or tip the truck. Different

strike objects or unintentionally lift or nudge other

models of lift trucks are designed to operate under

palletized loads.

different conditions. Cushion tire models are designed

to operate on relatively smooth, firm surfaces. Bumps,

15. Strictly observe the following load handling

holes and loose materials have the same affect as if

techniques:

part of the floor dropped out from underneath the truck.

Always make sure you pick the smoothest road for your

a. Handle only loads within rated capacity.

truck.

The truck name plate rating represents the

maximum safe load that can be lifted. This

9. Travel slowly around corners. Narrow aisles

maximum rating should never be

and blind corners are fine scenes for collisions. To

exceeded. However, such factors as weak

avoid them drive slowly and sound the horn in advance.

floors, uneven terrain, or loads having a

high center of gravity may mean that the

10. Shut off the engine, lower the carriage

safe working load is considerably below the

completely, and set the parking brake when leaving the

rated capacity. When special conditions

truck. Block the wheels when on an incline or working

do exist the operator must reduce his load

on the truck.

so that his truck will remain stable.

11. Do not turn on an incline. For stability reasons a

b. Handle only stable loads. Many loads

lift truck should not be driven along the side of an incline

are made up of unstable items that can be

so that the truck is leaning sideways. Always keep the

easily dislodged. They can either upset a

front and rear ends of the truck pointed in the direction

truck or fall on someone.

of slant.

A-11