Rough Terrain Forklift Safety
Made for construction sites, where materials must be moved on surfaces which are not paved are rough terrain forklifts. The proper and safe use of rough terrain forklifts is very essential to ensure the wellbeing of both the driver and other personnel at the work location.
Terrain
Even if these trucks are made for rough terrain, you still should be very careful in order prevent tip overs. The forklift is top heavy and when lifting, must only be operated on level ground.
Speed
Drivers of forklifts must always drive at a safe speed even though there are no Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations governing the speed limits of forklifts. Driving on terrain which is rough or uneven needs even more caution. Steering, in particular, could be very unsafe at faster speeds.
Incline
When you are operating on an incline, you must keep the load on the machine's uphill side. The rule of thumb is drive up, and then back down. Never attempt to raise a load when operating on a sloped surface. The change in the center of gravity could cause the machine to tip over.
Safety Devices
Like any driver, forklift operators are obliged to put on seat belts. Make certain that the overhead guard is securely in place. Depending on the working environment, hearing and eye protection might need to be worn. Make sure that a working fire extinguisher is mounted on the forklift.
Weather
Climate could affect forklift operating conditions. Load handling, speed and turning might need to be adjusted to guarantee safety when operating a forklift in ice, rain or snow.