MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO DRIVE- Page 17

Be a Safe Driver

31   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 29 and 30).

If it's not working right, or something is broken, report
the problem to your supervisor.  Don't use 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   32

DRIVE CAUTIOUSLY, BE ALERT

• Never stick a foot or any part of your body outside the 

operator area, no matter how slow the truck is moving.  
You cannot stop 3630 kg 

(8000 pounds)

 with any part of 

your body.  A foot or hand caught between the truck and 
a fixed object will be crushed or even cut off.

• Keep your hands on the controls and your feet on 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, retracted 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.  Watch out for power unit swing.

• 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.  Don't operate your truck
with the retractable overhead guard lowered.

Continued next page...