Be a Safe Driver 34; 33 Be a Safe Driver; Be a Safe Driver- Page 18

Be a Safe Driver   34

33  Be a Safe Driver

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 31 and 

32). 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 fi rst, then a faster one. Know 
the distance it takes to stop before you start work.

Continued next page...

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 or 

(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.

• Stand sideways with your back against the pad. Keep  

your hands on the controls and your feet on the 
pedals/pad.

• 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.