Transportation of liquids: When transporting liquids, the center of gravity can vary
according to the movement of the industrial truck, and this can have a very adverse
effect on the truck's stability. All necessary precautions must be taken when
maneuvering; accelerating, braking and tight corners should be avoided where
possible, as should any sudden movement.
Flattened wheels: If the industrial truck has been parked for a lengthy period of time,
the wheel treads may become flattened. This does not adversely affect the safety or
stability of the truck, however, since the flattening will disappear once the truck has
been driven for a short distance.
4.6
Preventing overturning and tipping
Special safety precautions are required when operating an industrial truck (with
counterweight) and central controls where the driver has a fixed driving position:
1. A laden or unladen truck can tip over if the driver does not brake to a safe speed
before a bend. The following signs indicate that a truck is approaching a bend
too fast:
– Wheel slip;
– Tilting to one side;
– Lifting of one wheel; and
– The need to hold onto the steering wheel harder to avoid sliding out of the seat.
1. The probability that the truck will overturn increases in the presence of one or
more of the following conditions:
– Overloaded truck;
– Traveling with a raised load;
– Sharp braking or acceleration on a bend;
– Loading outside the center of gravity;
– Traveling over uneven ground;
– Traveling too fast.
2. The truck can also tip forward, and the probability of this increases in the
presence of one or more of the following conditions:
– Overloaded truck;
– Traveling with a raised load;
– Sharp braking when traveling in a straight line;
– Sudden acceleration when reversing.
3. The driver should not leave the truck if it tips sideways or lengthways. The driver
should hold on tightly and lean in the opposite direction to the point of impact.
4. The driver should not leave the truck if it falls from a loading platform or ramp.
The driver should hold on tightly and lean in the opposite direction to the point of
impact.
– The owner must take alternative and/or additional safety precautions and
define special working instructions if the surroundings present a serious danger
or unusual operating conditions.
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