Fork Truck Checklist Step By Step And Forklift Seatbelts Saves Lives When operating a fork truck many checks and safety precautions need to be taken. These checks differ from daily checks, weekly and more thorough monthly checks. These fork truck checks are conducted because it minimalises the risk of accidents, breakages, and will maintain the fork truck which will increase its lifespan. The checks of the fork truck that need to be conducted are as follows: - check the fork truck forks are not damaged in anyway including cracks and dints - be sure the forks are evenly spaced and locked into position - the fork truck overhead guard is to be securely fitted and in place - the cabin area of the fork truck should be clean and no rubbish should be lying around as this can cause accidents - the engine compartment needs to be checked for leaks and the engine belt should be tight with good tension - the battery of the fork truck engine needs careful checking, it should be in good condition and the electrolyte level is topped up. The correct levels for this will be displayed in the user manual. - the engine and transmission oil should be topped up and the coolant levels need to be correct. - when getting into the cabin there are necessary operational checks that should be made prior to operating the fork truck. Checking the gear is in neutral and the handbrake is on should be the first check on entering the cabin. - all controls need to be checked such as the horn, lights, reversing lights, flashing lights, and all other devices. - the forks of the fork truck need to be tested before put to proper use. The forks should be tested by lifting the forks, lowering them and tilting. - the most important check of all regarding the operational use is the brakes. Move the fork truck slowly forward and reversing and press the brakes checking they work correctly. Forklift Seatbelts Saves Lives One of the most common accidents with a forklift is that they are overloaded and capsize. Most forklift trucks are equipped with seatbelts in the cage and so if an accident is to occur the seat belt will keep the operator in the seat safely and securely. The same rule applies to a car, if the participants of the car are not wearing their seat belts and an accident occurs the damage is far worse than if they were wearing their seatbelt. In a forklift the importance of wearing a seatbelt is even more severe because even though a forklift travels a lot slower than a car on the road the fork lift is open and the operator is not as protected. Forklift trucks are actually heavier than many cars on the road today and so they can cause more damage in the event of an accident. Due to a forklift truck needing to turn in small tight spaces they steer by rotating their rear axle, which is usually mounted on a pin. This makes it easier for the forklift to overturn and capsize. The forklift being heavier means when they do fall over the truck falls faster than other vehicles. Research has shown that the operator in a falling over vehicle tries to get out of the vehicle out of instinct but because the forklift falls so quickly this can cause more damage than if they were to be strapped in by a seatbelt. Often the person will not have enough time to get out before it hits the ground and they get caught in the cage or the safe guards which leads to more injury and sometimes death. Reports have shown that many of the fatalities cause by over turning forklift trucks is due to the operator trying to get out. A seatbelt strapping the operator into a safe position within the cage of the forklift really is the difference between life and death. If you are looking for forktruck or a fork lift take a look at Fork Truck Solutions website.
Posted on: Tue, 28 Jan 2014 05:54:06 +0000
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