5 SAFE OPERATION
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When slack chains occur, something is wrong
with the mast. Operate the lift control to take up
the slack before you move the truck. Forks or
rails may be caught or jammed. Never put your
hands in the mast. Ask the Service Centre for
an inspection and repair.
Empty trucks can overturn at high speed. A
large counterweight on the rear balances the
load in front. A forklift without a load can be
more unstable than a forklift with a load. To
avoid an overturn, do not drive or turn a forklift
with or without a load at high speed.
5.4 Handling a load
5.4.1 Notes on load handling
Avoid overloading or off-centered loading.
Check load weights and handle only within the
rated capacity of your forklift truck. Before
picking up a load, make sure you know its
weight and load center. Safe operation requires
understanding and observing the forklift truck's
rated load capacity.
Capacity is based on load and length of load.
Either condition in excess can cause loads to
fall or tip a truck over.
Watch for loose loads, restack if necessary.
Handle only stable, safely arranged loads.
Always use the proper size pallet. Check the
condition and safe loading capacity of the pallet.
The sudden collapse of block stacking often
results from a faulty pallet.
Always watch load and mast overhead
clearance. Make sure that there is sufficient
headroom under overhead installations, such as
lights, wiring, pipework or sprinkler system.
Keep the mast as low as possible in all areas
where overhead clearances are limited.
Overhead guard, load backrest extensions are
incorporated to protect the operators from falling
loads. Make sure they are in place and in good
repair. Whenever necessary, use them to
prevent loads from falling onto the forklift. Make
sure no loose objects are lying on top of the
load. Be especially alert for falling objects when
high stacking.
Make sure that the fork stoppers are locked
securely. If they are not fixed, the forks may
move, causing the load to drop and be
damaged.