Every year thousands of people are injured by lift trucks. The number of injuries is estimated to be between 35,000 and 62,000.
In order to avoid injury, it’s vital that you learn about everything there is to know about lift trucks. This includes how they operate and what safety precautions must be in place.
We want to help reduce those injury numbers. We’ve put this guide together so people have all the information they need to stay safe. Continue reading below!
Importance of Forklift Training
Before ever using a lift truck, you must invest in forklift training. By obtaining a certification, you’ll know the risk and will be educated on how to avoid injury.
During your training, you’ll also learn how to use these powerful machines. The more you know, the safer you and those around you will be.
Using a lift truck isn’t as easy as it sounds. Through proper training, you will develop the skills you need to operate machinery efficiently. You will learn how to maneuver it into tight spaces and will be well-versed on the limitations and capabilities of the forklift.
If you and your team know how to properly use a lift truck, you also decrease the risk of equipment breakdowns. Those with improper training will be more likely to harm someone and damage the machine simultaneously.
The good news is getting certified isn’t difficult. There is a forklift certification online that you can obtain.
Know Your Industrial Equipment
As a beginner, you should next use industrial equipment without familiarizing yourself with the machine first.
Understanding the basic components of a lift truck will allow you to be efficient and safe. Your online certification will talk about the machinery. However, you can also check the operations manual to learn about the specific features of that particular lift truck.
While the majority of them are very similar, there are different models and each one may have different mechanisms that you’ll need to know about.
Follow a Checklist
It’s important to always perform a pre-operational check before using a truck lift.
On this checklist, you want to include checking the brakes, steering, tires, lights, and horn. If anything isn’t working properly, be sure to have it fixed before using it. Any issues could lead to injuries.
Wear Proper PPE
It’s always important to wear the right personal protective equipment (PPE). You should always wear a hard hat, high-visibility vest, safety shoes, and gloves. This equipment will ensure not only that you’re safe but also that you are complying with safety regulations.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Just like any other vehicle, an industrial forklift will need to have regularly scheduled maintenance.
Inspecting the machinery frequently and keeping it clean will keep it working properly.
Lift Trucks and Training
Learning to drive and operate a lift truck can be very intimidating. It can also be very dangerous, and as a beginner, it’s crucial that you take the time to familiarize yourself and complete forklift training before using one.
The more know about lift trucks and industrial equipment the safe you’ll be. Keep browsing our site for more helpful information and tips.
