Heavy Construction Equipment Made Simple

Posted on: 19 April 2021

Forklifts have amazing lifting capabilities, which is the reason they're used to move a lot of different materials. If your worksite just invested money in a new one and you'll be using it for the first time, these safety tips are paramount to pick up. 

Receive Some Formal Training

There are a lot of forklift skills that you can pick up just by listening to someone else explain these actions. However, if you want to know you're fully capable of using a new forklift safely even if it's your first time, formal training is a plus.

You'll cover every major detail that you need to know when operating this machine around different environments. You can pick up things like maximum weight capacities, how to navigate around structures, and safety problems to not ignore. These training programs aren't very long, and they let you receive a forklift certification at the end as well.

Review Forklift Before Operating It

The first thing you want to do before you even sit down in the forklift's seat is complete a thorough inspection. Make this inspection even if the forklift is brand-new because there could still be defects that could throw off operation in some way.

A couple of components you'll want to pay attention to during this inspection include the tires, fluid levels, forks, and the overall exterior body. Take time to investigate further if any of these components have signs of damage.

Make Sure Visibility is Never Hindered

You always need to be capable of seeing when operating a forklift that is brand-new. If you can't, then you could hit something with the forklift and even hurt someone that is nearby. The forklift should make it to where your visibility isn't hindered, when from a 360-degree viewpoint.

If there are structures that hinder your visibility, cease operation until these structures are moved out of the way or you can get a better vantage point around them. Seeing clearly while using this machine may sound simple, but it's an effective measure for avoiding major accidents.

Getting a new forklift for your worksite is a good thing because it means you can lift a lot of materials in a safe manner. Safety is definitely a key word when using these machines for the first time. If you're a good student in learning the right safety measures, the new forklift won't cause harm to anyone or anything.