DRIVE CAUTIOUSLY, BE ALERT; MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO DRIVE; MAKE SURE YOUR TRUCK IS READY- Page 17

Be a Safe Driver   32

DRIVE CAUTIOUSLY, BE ALERT

• Always wear your harness and have the tether fastened.
• Make certain pallets and platforms are secure.
• Never stick a foot, arm or any part of your body outside

the operator area, no matter how slow the truck is

moving.  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 foot on the

brake pedal.

• 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 platform close to the ground when outside

of an aisle.  Place the load against the end of the platform.

• Look where you are going before you change direction

of travel.

• See that you have room to drive and turn.  Check for 

overhead objects also.  Watch out for power unit and 

fork (load) 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.  Watch for overhead obstructions.

• Be extra careful if you must use your truck in an area

where there is a risk of falling objects.

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Be a Safe Driver

31   Be a Safe Driver

The most

important

component

is you.

?

?

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.  Don't use the truck.

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

at a slow travel speed first, then a faster one.  Know

the distance it takes to stop before you start work.