Be a Safe Driver; 29 Be a Safe Driver; Be a Safe Driver 30- Page 16

Be a Safe Driver

29  Be a Safe Driver

Be a Safe Driver  30

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 27 
  and 28).  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.

The most 

important 

component 

is you.

DRIVE CAUTIOUSLY, BE ALERT

•  Adjust the seat and mirror.

•  Fasten your seat belt.

• 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 ground and tilted  
  up.  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...