Lift trucks are some of the most useful and convenient pieces of equipment you can have in a manufacturing or warehouse facility. They save time, energy, and can speed up the process of production. However, before you invest in lift trucks or spend money on forklift rental in Los Angeles, it’s important to understand how to safely operate these vehicles. Here are some general rules for safety to help your operators have a safe experience.
Steering Principles
Whether you buy your trucks or use a forklift rental service in Los Angeles, the basics are the same. Your wheels for steering are located in the rear section of the vehicle. This is an important thing to remember when you make turns because the truck needs a wide path to complete a turn.
Service Check
Operators should never get behind the wheel of a truck without checking it out completely. Here are some important things to check before the start of every shift:
* Engine oil
* Coolant level
* Condition of tires
* Hydraulic system
* Forks
* Fuel level
* Horn
* Signals
* Lights (if equipped)
* Test Drive – this is the chance to check brakes and other features for problems.
Radiator Cleaning
If you drive your trucks in dirty or dusty conditions, it’s best to blow the radiator out with compressed air. This ensures that your truck will not run hot.
Don’t Drive an Unsafe Vehicle
When you notice a problem with a truck, let your supervisor know about it. Don’t drive trucks with significant motor oil or hydraulic oil leaks. If tires have large chunks of rubber missing, notify the mechanic or forklift rental service in Los Angeles about the problem. Never use a truck with faulty brakes or in need of engine repairs. When you change fuel tanks, make sure the motor is turned off (propane-powered trucks).
