Safety Section General Hazard Information Always use the overhead guard. The overhead guard is intended to protect the lift truck operator from overhead obstructions and from falling objects. A truck that is used for handing small objects or uneven loads must be fitted with a load backrest. If the lift truck must be operated without the overhead guard in place due to low overhead clearance, use extreme care. Make sure there is no possibility of falling objects from any adjacent storage or work area. Make sure the load is stable and fully supported by the carriage and the load backrest extension (if equipped).
Do not raise loads any higher than necessary and never raise a load higher than 1830 mm (72 in) with the overhead guard removed. Always use load backrest extension when the carriage or attachment does not fully support the load. The load backrest extension is intended to prevent the load or any part of the load from falling backwards into the operator's station. When operation the lift truck, do not depend only on flashing lights or back-up alarm (if equipped) to warn pedestrians. Always be aware of pedestrians and do not proceed until the pedestrians are aware of your presence and intended actions and have moved clear of the lift truck and/or load.
Do not drive lift truck up to anyone standing in front of an object. Obey all traffic rules and warning signs. Keep hands, feet and head inside the operator station. Do not hold onto the overhead guard while operating the lift truck. Do not climb on any part of the mast or overhead guard or permit others to do so. Do not allow unauthorized personnel to ride on the forks or any other part of the lift truck, at any time. When working in a building or dock, observe floor load limits and overhead clearances. Inhaling freon gas through a lit cigarette or other smoking method or inhaling fumes released from a flame contacting freon can cause bodily harm or death.
Do not smoke when servicing air conditioners or wherever freon gas may be present. Attach a “Do Not Operate” or similar warning tag to start switch or controls before servicing or repairing the lift truck. Do not start or service the lift truck when a “DO NOT OPERATE” or similar warning tag is attached to the start switch or controls. Wear a hard hat, protective glasses and other protective equipment as required by job conditions. Know the width of your attachments so proper clearance can be maintained when operating near fences, boundary obstacles, etc. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry that can catch on controls or other parts of the lift truck.
Keep the lift truck, especially the deck and steps, free of foreign material such as debris, oil tools and other items which are not part of the lift truck. Secure all loose items such as lunch boxes, tools and other items which are not part of the lift truck. Know the appropriate work-site hand signals and who gives them. Accept signals from one person only. 10