MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO DRIVE; MAKE SURE YOUR TRUCK IS READY; DRIVE CAUTIOUSLY, BE ALERT- Page 14

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 (see pages 23 and 

24). 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 brakes and plugging.  Check 

at a slow travel speed first, then a faster one.  Know 

the distance it takes to stop before you start work.

The most

important

component

is you.

Be a Safe Driver   26

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.
• 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.

Continued next page...

25   Be a Safe Driver