Rough Terrain Forklift Safety
Made for construction sites, where materials must be moved on surfaces which are not paved are rough terrain forklifts. The safe and proper use of rough terrain forklifts is very important to be able to guarantee the wellbeing of both the operator and other personnel at the work site.
Terrain
These trucks are built for rough terrain, but care should still be taken to avoid tip overs. The forklift is top heavy and should just be operated on level ground when lifting.
Speed
Even if there are no Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations governing forklift speed limits, forklift operators should drive at a safe speed every time. Driving on terrain which is rough or uneven needs even more caution. Steering, in particular, can be very unsafe at faster speeds.
Incline
When you are operating on an incline, you should keep the load on the machine's uphill side. The rule of thumb is drive up, and back down. Never try to lift a load when operating on an inclined surface. The change in the center of gravity could cause the machine to tip over.
Safety Devices
Operators of forklifts must always wear seat belts like any driver. Check that the overhead guard is firmly in place. Depending on the working environment, eye and hearing protection might need to be worn. Check that a working fire extinguisher is mounted on the forklift.
Weather
The operating conditions of a forklift could be affected by weather conditions. Speed, turning and load handling may need to be adjusted to guarantee safety when operating a forklift in ice, rain or snow.