Forklifts are popular lifting equipment widely used in factories and industrial zones. The use of forklifts contributes greatly to improving the efficiency and productivity of human labor. So how can you use & operate a forklift effectively and safely? Below I will guide you through the 5 steps in the forklift operation process and 7 safety tips for using a forklift!
Forklifts are widely used in factories & industrial zones, contributing to improving efficiency and productivity. To operate and check for safe and effective use, it is necessary to note 5 operating steps & 7 safety notes
5 steps in the forklift operation process
Preparation before operating the forklift
This is a very important part that professional forklift drivers often prepare very carefully to avoid occupational safety risks.
a. Make sure the forklift key is in the OFF position
Trust me, you don’t want to just climb up and the car has already moved forward and hit something. So be sure to check that the forklift key is always in the off position to make sure the machine is completely off.
b. Adjust the seat to the most comfortable driving position
You can adjust the seat forward, backward and choose the most comfortable driving position for you.
c. Fasten the seat belt before operating and release the adjustment lever to the locked position
Just like driving a car, seat belts have the effect of immobilizing the driver in the car to ensure safety when operating.
Start the car
a. First pull the handbrake, bring the lifting lever to the intermediate position
b. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to ST position and the engine will start
Do not hold for more than 10 seconds each time to ensure the life of the motor!
Check again after boot
a. Check the engine temperature with a meter that displays the engine coolant temperature at the allowable level < 50°C
b. Other safety indicators
– Check the alarm clocks at the allowed level
– Check the engine noise, all are at normal levels
– Check the exhaust smoke at the allowable level
c. Test the lifting and lowering joysticks
Try unloading the forklift controls, lifting controls, and tilting levers by hand to make sure they are working properly.
Forklift driver
After carefully checking the above items, we can rest assured that the forklift is operating normally and can work.
During the operation of the forklift, the driver should pay attention to the front, back and sides around the open work area, without obstacles or people walking in the moving area of the forklift.
Some notes during forklift driving:
– Do not operate the fork while the accelerator pedal is depressed
– Raise the fork to 150 – 200 mm above the ground, tilt the lifting frame all the way back before moving the forklift
– Instructions for gear shifting, about the number of forklifts: step on the gearshift / brake pedal and pull the gear lever forward and backward to the desired number, then release the handbrake and the gearshift pedal and step on the accelerator pedal gradually
– It is recommended to shift the forklift gear when the vehicle has come to a complete stop to ensure safety and increase the life of the engine as well as the transmission.
4 Rules for parking forklifts
1. Stop the forklift by taking your foot off the gas pedal or moving forward and backward while depressing the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
2. Park the forklift by lowering the fork to the floor, tilting the mast all the way forward, pulling the handbrake and bringing the fork to the center position.
3. Turn the forklift lock to the OFF position then remove the key when not in use
4. If you forget to turn off the forklift lock, the safety function installed on the vehicle will completely turn off the forklift after 3 minutes and emit a warning sound.
5 notes on safe forklift use
Intermediate switch for forklift operation safety
This is an intermediate switch that starts the engine with a lifting lever and ensures that when you forget the steps to operate the forklift, it will not start the engine.
- When starting the main engine, do not run for more than 10 seconds at a time
- The safety key prevents you from starting the forklift using the forklift key already in the ST position. To start the forklift, you need to turn off the car key, then unlock the safety lock and try again after 5-10 seconds
- When not using the forklift, you need to turn the forklift key to the OFF position
- Be sure to remove the forklift key only when it is turned off to the OFF position.
