MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO DRIVE; MAKE SURE YOUR TRUCK IS READY; DRIVE CAUTIOUSLY, BE ALERT- Page 13

Be a Safe Driver

23   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 21 and 

22).  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   24

DRIVE CAUTIOUSLY, BE ALERT

• Adjust the seat and mirror.
• 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 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.

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