To ensure that safety is a main concern, there are 5 important steps. To be able to make sure that the model is visually safe, the first step is to perform a Walk-Around Inspection. After that check if the worksite is safe to utilize with a Worksite Assessment. The Function Test is the third step in order to know whether or not the unit is functioning in a safe way. The 4th thing to consider is Proper Operation, in order to determine whether or not the model is working safely. Lastly, Proper Shutdown needs to be checked in order to make certain the unit is in a safe place and is capable of shutting down correctly.
At the center of the 5 steps and this regulation, there is a machine that lifts heavy weights to impressive heights and stands on a triangular footprint. The key goal is to be able to keep the telehandler upright, but of course there are risks.
The triangular base of the telehandler comprises the rear-axle pivot point and the two front wheels. The rear axles normally oscillates, hence the rear wheels are not considered part of the base. The telehandler remains upright as long as the center of gravity of the machinery, that is defined as the point in 3 dimensions around which the weight of the machinery is balanced, stays oriented in the stability triangle.
When the boom is down, adding a load to the forks at that same time moves the center of gravity forward and down. Raising the load will move the center of gravity to the rear and upwards. At the same time, when this occurs, the stability triangle shrinks. Therefore, the higher you lift a load, the less of a margin for error you have since the stability triangle lessens.
When the stability triangle is small, it leaves less room for the center of gravity to move left or right. It is this wandering action that can change the stability triangle and leave less room for the frame to remain balanced if it is not perfectly level. For instance, imagine the center of gravity resembling a plumb bob hanging from the boom. You could always find the center of gravity someplace on a totally vertical line between a point on the boom and the center of the ground. If the frame is not level, the center of gravity will not be oriented over the centerline of the machine. The stability triangle is continuously aligned with the centerline of the machine.