The Proper and Safe Way to Use a Forklift
Forklifts are essential equipment that are used to move and raise bulky loads and different materials. This material handling machinery is used daily in our society. Forklifts are found all around from in warehouses, a building supply business, at airports and in storage units and department stores. When utilizing a forklift, it is really important to be completely aware of your surroundings so as to be safe.
The first step is to power up the forklift by turning the key. Become familiar with the levers located at the right of the steering wheel. These levers are what you would be using to transport a thing from one place to another and also to maneuver the item to where it must be placed.
The next step is to use the first lever to move the forks down and up. Pull the lever towards you to move the fork up. To be able to move the fork down, push the lever away from you. Unless you are loading or unloading an item, the forks should ideally be kept near the ground.
Next, practice using 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 you. In order to tilt the forks back, pull the levers towards your body. These forks can tilt between 15 and 30 degrees.
The next thing to get used of is using the 3rd lever to control the forks movement from the left to right. From side to side, they can move between 6 and 12 inches. The levers move towards where you would like the forks placed.
When you are familiar, carefully approach the load you want to pick up. To be able to lower the forks, push the first lever away from your body. Carefully drive forward until the forks slide under the load. Slightly lift the load by pulling the lever towards you. If the load feels top heavy, be sure to tilt the forks backwards slightly.
You must go slow when you drive around corners. Make sure that you honk the horn located on the steering wheel to be able to alert other people of the approaching machinery. Carefully approach the area where you will be unloading. Utilize the levers to maneuver the load to your final destination.
Stopping the forklift is like stopping a motor vehicle. Slightly step on the brake. It is found to the left of the accelerator.