Operational Procedures: Pick-Up, Travel, Stacking, De-stacking and Shut-Down
Pre-operation
Confirm the area is clear, the load is assessed, the chart is checked and your harness is on and attached. Adjust the platform and controls. Sound the horn before moving.
Pick-up
Approach squarely and slowly, forks level and low. Insert forks fully, spread to suit the pallet, and lift clear before tilting back slightly. Keep the load against the backrest. Do not drag or spear the load.
Travel
Travel with the load low, mast tilted back, at a safe speed. Look in the direction of travel; if the load blocks forward view, travel in reverse or use a spotter. Observe speed limits, floor markings and pedestrian crossings. Slow in turns; never turn on a slope or travel across a slope - travel up and down slopes with the load uphill. Keep a safe following distance.
Stacking and de-stacking
Square up to the rack, raise to the correct height, move forward slowly and lower the load onto the beams. Confirm the pallet is fully seated before withdrawing forks. Check racking for damage. Never climb the rack or stand on forks.
Shut-down
Park in a designated area, lower the platform and forks to the ground, neutralise controls, apply the parking brake, remove the key, isolate and recharge or change the battery per procedure. Report faults and complete records.
Worked example
Travelling with a tall pallet that blocks your view: the correct action is to travel in reverse, looking in the direction of travel, or to use a spotter - not to lean out or proceed blind.
Trap
Raising the load while travelling, or turning while the platform is elevated, are frequent unsafe-practice answers.