T
RAINING
O
PERATORS
AND
I
NSTRUCTORS
OF
P
OWERED
I
NDUSTRIAL
L
IFT
T
RUCKS
21
Operators should understand:
• The correct procedure on ramps, given the operating conditions, where
possible keeping the load facing up the ramp whether descending or
ascending. When driving a powered industrial lift truck in the empty
(no load) condition, the forks should point downhill, whether
descending or ascending, and never turn on a sloping surface. (Also
refer to section 6.)
• The procedure for reporting faults; this can be included on the pre-
operational check sheet.
•
The correct procedure when vision is obscured by the load is to drive in
reverse, or assistance must be obtained with guidance.
• Recognition of unsafe loads and stacks; it is the operator’s responsibility
to make safe any unsafe loads or stacks before attempting to move, or
stack or de-stack a load.
• The correct stacking procedures using the inch-brake pedal, when
applicable, should be encouraged as most forklifts have a torque
converter and inch-brake pedal. It is not necessary to apply the hand
brake except as a learner or in dangerous conditions such as elevating a
person in an approved work platform. For internal combustion (engine)
trucks that do not have an inch-brake pedal control (i.e. clutch models),
select neutral and apply the park brake. On electric forklifts, apply the
foot brake while stacking or destacking. The mast should have only
sufficient rear tilt to maintain the forks horizontal for stacking, or to
keep the load stable when stacking/destacking.
• The correct refuelling procedure for the forklift, which should include :
- Special precautions for batteries in regard to naked flames, metal
objects, etc.
- Special precautions with LPG applicable, e.g. change of bottles
and change from LPG to petrol, etc.
- Normal procedures with combustible fuels such as petrol and
diesel, smoking, etc.
- Use of protective equipment.
- Refilling of LPG cylinders must comply with the requirements of
the Dangerous Goods legislation.
• The need for pre-operational checks and a typical pre-operation
inspection sheet should be explained. Examples of how a forklift
should be inspected and what to look for under each topic explained.
This explanation should cover both mechanical and legal requirements.
• The following points, which should also be covered:
- Brief description — forklift hydraulic system.
- Brief description — torque converter and transmission systems.
- Use of accelerator, inch-brake and foot-brake pedals.
- Driving around tight corners.
- Avoiding relief valve operating on steering or tilting.
- Stacking and change in direction.
- Use of tilt when stacking and destacking.
- Rear axle oscillation and rear steering near sides of bay or walls.