OPERATING PROCEDURES
30
as simple and obvious as driving the family automobile.
(e.g. Look where you are going, start and stop smoothly,
etc.) But a lift truck is a special machine designed to do a
much different job than an automobile. Because 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 automobile.
The following
discussion lists
basic proce-
dures applica-
ble 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 understand
the procedures for lift truck operation. It also means that a
qualified person experienced in lift truck operation must
guide the operator through several driving and load han-
dling operations before the operator attempts to operate the
lift truck alone. A basic education in proper driving and load
handling techniques is absolutely necessary to prepare the
new operator for proper defensive driving and to expect the
unexpected.
2. Operate the lift
truck only in areas
that have been ap-
proved for lift truck
operation.
Certain areas contain hazardous flammable gases, liquid,
dust, fibers or other materials. Lift trucks that are operated
in these areas must have special fire safety approval.
These areas must be designated to show the type of lift
truck approval required for operation in the area. Changes
to special equipment or poor maintenance can make the lift
truck lose its special approval.
3. NO RIDERS. A
lift truck is built for
only one person ----
the operator. It is
dangerous for any-
one to ride on the
forks or anywhere
else on the lift
truck.
Property of American Airlines
