Hyster S40XM, Operating Manual

Page: 43 / 134

OPERATING PROCEDURES
41
Basic Operating Procedures
Many people make the mistake of thinking that operating
a lift truck is the same as driving an automobile. This is
not true. It is true that some lift truck operating procedures
are as simple and obvious as driving the family automo-
bile. (e.g. Look where you are going, start and stop
smoothly, etc.) But a lift truck is a special machine de-
signed to do a much different job than an automobile. Be-
cause of the close areas in which a lift truck operates and
its other operating characteristics (like rear wheel steering
and tail swing), every operator must receive additional
training, even if they have a license to drive an automo-
bile.
The following discussion lists
basic procedures applicable to
lift truck operation.
1. AUTHORIZED AND TRAINED OPERATOR ONLY.
This means the operator must be trained to drive the lift
truck and it means that the operator must thoroughly un-
derstand the procedures for lift truck operation. It also
means that a qualified person experienced in lift truck op-
eration must guide the operator through several driving
and load handling operations before the operator attempts
to operate the lift truck alone. A basic education in proper
driving and load handling techniques is absolutely neces-
sary to prepare the new operator for proper defensive
driving and to expect the unexpected.
2. NO RIDERS. A lift truck is built for
only one person ---- the operator. It is
dangerous for anyone to ride on the
forks or anywhere else on the lift
truck.
WARNING
This lift truck is designed and intended for handling
materials. A lift truck is not designed to lift people.
Do not use a lift truck to lift people unless it has been
determined that there is no other practical option
(scaffolds, elevated work platforms, aerial baskets,
etc.) to perform the needed work.
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