25 Be a Safe Driver; Be a Safe Driver 26; MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO DRIVE- Page 14

25  Be a Safe Driver

MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO DRIVE

• Do not use this truck unless you are trained 
 and 

certifi ed.

• 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
  fi re hazards. Be certain your truck is the correct fi re
  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 
effi cient operation of the truck.

• In an open area, test the brakes and plugging. Check  

at a slow travel speed fi rst, then a faster one. Know  
the distance it takes to stop before you start work.

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 fi xed 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 fl oors. Don't run over

things.

• Travel with the forks close to the fl oor 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 on next page...

The most

important

component

is you.