Safety Tips for Rough Terrain Forklifts
Forklifts come in various shapes and sizes. Some of them maneuver better indoors on stabile terrain, while others can handle the rougher outdoor terrains more efficiently. The latter has a very fitting name: rough terrain forklifts. These forklifts can be of great use to your facility, but if they fall into the wrong hands, it can lead to property damage and employee injuries. These safety tips for rough terrain forklifts will help you maintain a safe work environment when these massive machines are present.
Always Inspect Before Operating
This guideline applies to any and all forklifts—always inspect the vehicle before operating it. Every time you begin your shift, walk around the forklift and look for any issues such as loose wiring or steering components, damaged forks, and tires with excessive wear-and-tear. By carrying out an inspection before operating the forklift, you’ll be able to operate in the safest, most efficient way possible.
Maintain Good Visibility
During your forklift inspection, keep an eye out for dirty windows and mirrors. If they’re even slightly dirty, take the time to clean them so they don’t hinder your vision while you’re operating the forklift. When driving these massive pieces of machinery, you need to have a clear view of your surroundings at all times. Additionally, learn where your blind spots are and adjust your mirrors accordingly. Forklift operators should also take vision tests to confirm that they don’t need additional eyewear to drive safely.
Rough Terrain, Not All Terrain
A common misconception with rough terrain forklifts is that they can handle all kinds of terrain. However, these machines do have limitations. For instance, due to the hefty weight of rough terrain forklifts, they can easily become stuck in mud and other forms of soft terrain. Inspect your terrain for any hazards that might hinder your forklift’s stability, including ice and snow, before driving on top of it.
These safety tips for rough terrain forklifts are essential for keeping you and your colleagues out of harm’s way. Taking these and many more forklift safety precautions into consideration whenever you get behind the wheel is one of the most vital parts of becoming a good forklift operator.
