Always drive slowly and carefully in the middle
of the ramps or dockboards. Keep an eye on the
distance from edges. Travel at a safe distance
from the edge of ramps or platform.
Use the Operator Restraint System and stay
with the truck if it falls.
Unrestrained trailers can move when loaded by
a forklift, or due to a lift truck going in or out,
causing the dock plate or lift truck to fall. Make
sure to chock the trailer's wheels or use dock
restraints. A trailer without a tractor must be
supported with jacks at the front and rear.
If using a portable ramp to load a trailer, make
sure it is secured to the trailer, that the lip
remains in place and that all wheels are off
supporting surfaces. Keep driving surface clean
and dry. Operate lift truck slowly and smoothly.
Don't become distracted by truck drivers, make
sure they are not in your operating area, but in a
safe zone away from the loading/unloading
traffic. Don't rely on them to chock wheels,
make sure it is done properly.
5.3.8 Elevators
When using an elevator to lift the forklift, ensure
that the elevator is designed for lifting forklifts
and only use the elevator when the forklift is
unloaded.
Approach elevators slowly and squarely. Be
sure that the elevator car is level and steady
before entering. Enter the elevator or other
confined areas with the front end forward.
While on the elevator, lower the forks, set the
controls in neutral position, apply the parking
brake and turn off the key.
5 SAFE OPERATION
5.3.9 Other hazardous situations
Slow down for uneven, wet or slippery floors.
You could lose control easily if you travel too
fast on such floors.
Avoid sudden braking, acceleration or sharp
turning on snowy or frozen surfaces. Speed
should be controlled only by means of the
accelerator pedal. When stopping, reduce the
traveling speed and step on the brake pedal
softly so as not to go into a skid. Also, apply the
brake earlier to be in time as the stopping
distance is longer on such surfaces.
Cross railroad tracks slowly and diagonally one
wheel at a time to avoid truck damage, truck
upset or dropping a load. A railroad crossing
can give a loaded forklift truck a real jolt. For
smoother crossing, cross the railroad diagonally
so one wheel crosses at a time. If the forklift
gets stuck on a railroad crossing, let nearby
others know immediately.
No Suspension: Lift trucks cannot go over
bumps or through pot holes because springs
can't be used when the weight and center of
gravity change due to picking up loads. Avoid
these hazards.
Keep away from edges of roads or cliff as the
ground may be unstable.
Drive only in well-lighted area. Don't drive in
places where it is dark or difficult to see. If the
available light is limited, be sure that your truck
is equipped with auxiliary lighting so your
working area is always sufficiently illuminated.
Attachments that hold onto loads or even
sideshifters can cause dynamic loadings that
can upset a truck if smooth operation of controls
or brakes is not used.
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