The Proper and Safe Way to Utilize a Forklift
Forklifts are essential equipment that are used to move and raise heavy loads and different supplies. This material handling equipment is utilized on a daily basis in our society. Forklifts are found all over from a building supply company, in warehouses, at airports and in department stores and storage units. When using a forklift, it is important to be completely aware of your surroundings in order to be safe.
The first step is to power up the forklift by turning the key. Become familiar with the levers found to the right of the steering wheel. These levers are what you will be using to move an object from one place to another and also to maneuver the object to where it has to be placed.
The second step is to use the first lever to move the forks down and up. Pull the lever towards you to move the fork up. In order to move the fork down, push the lever away from you. Unless you are unloading or loading an object, the forks should ideally be kept close to the ground.
Prior to picking up loads, use the other two levers and practice first. The second lever is used for tilting the forks forwards and backwards. In order to tilt the forks forwards, push the lever away from your body. In order to tilt the forks back, pull the levers towards your body. These forks are capable of tilting between 15 and 30 degrees.
The third lever is utilized to control the fork's movement from right to left. This is something that you must get used to. From side to side, they can move between 6 and 12 inches. The levers move in the direction of where you would like the forks positioned.
When you are sure that you already know what you are supposed to be do, approach the load you want to pick up carefully. In order to lower the forks, push the first lever away from your body. Drive forward carefully until the forks slide underneath the load. Carefully lift the load by pulling the lever towards your body. If the load feels top heavy, be sure to slightly tilt the forks backwards.
You must go slow when you drive around corners. Make sure that you honk the horn situated on the steering wheel to be able to alert other people of the approaching machine. Carefully approach the area where you would be unloading. Utilize the levers to maneuver the load to your final destination.
Stopping the forklift is similar to stopping a car. Slightly step on the brake. It is found to the left of the accelerator.