Be a Safe Driver; 27 Be a Safe Driver; Be a Safe Driver 28- Page 15

Be a Safe Driver

27  Be a Safe Driver

MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO DRIVE

• Do not use this truck unless you are trained and    

  certified.

• Be certain you understand how your truck works and  

  the hazards that go with it. Don't drive the truck if  

  you have any doubts.

• Know the capacity of your truck (Load Weight, Load  

Center and Lift Height). Make certain you use the  

correct units of measure.

• Some trucks are not allowed in areas where there are 

fire hazards. Be certain your truck is the correct fire  

safety type for the area.

• Make sure your hands and shoes are clean and dry,  

and your clothing is proper for the job.

MAKE SURE YOUR TRUCK IS READY

• Inspect your truck before using it. If it's not working  

  right, or something is broken, report the problem to  

  your supervisor.  Don't use the truck.

• Be sure that any equipment added to the truck    

(terminal, fan, clipboard, etc.) is positioned so that it  

does not block your vision or interfere with safe and  

efficient operation of the truck.

• In an open area, test the braking. Check at a slow  

travel speed first, then a faster one. Know the  

distance it takes to stop before you start work.

Be a Safe Driver   28

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DRIVE CAUTIOUSLY,   BE ALERT

• Fasten your seat belt and pull it snug.

• Never stick an arm or any part of your body outside  

the operator area, no matter how slow the truck is  

moving. A hand or foot caught between the truck  

and a fixed object will be crushed or even cut off.

• Keep your hands on the controls and your feet by 

the pedals.

• Travel in the direction that gives you the best  

view.  Look where you are going and slow down in  

congested areas.

• Slow down for wet or slippery floors.   

Don't run over things.

• When operating outdoors stay away from  gravel or 

other unpaved surfaces and uneven terrain.

• Travel with the forks close to the floor and mast    

tilted back.  Place the load against the load backrest  

(vertical face of the forks).

• Look where you are going before you change  

direction of travel.

• See that you have room to drive and turn. Always  

check for overhead objects.

• Slow down when making turns.

• Avoid sudden movement of controls.  Learn to use  

them smoothly at a moderate, even rate.

• Check clearances before raising or lowering the forks 

or load.

• Be extra careful if you must use your truck in an area  

where there is a risk of falling objects.  

The most

important 

component 

is you.