Figure 8-14.—Technical terms used in forklift operations.areas with low-overhead clearance. It must be able tonegotiate inclines, either empty or loaded. Technicalterms associated with forklift operations are explainedin figure 8-14.CAPABILITIES AND LIMITSThe safe and efficient use of a forklift requires skilland alertness horn the operator. For the majority ofmaterials-handling operations, the forklift excels,because it is self-propelled and requires only theoperator to control the lifting, transporting, stacking,and unstacking. To develop the skill required for safeand efficient forklift operations, you must have anunderstanding of the makeup, capabilities, andlimitations of the forklift, and see that it is maintainedin good mechanical condition.In the selection of a forklift, consider theperformance, lift height, power, and capacity; alsoconsider the available space and area the forklift mustoperate in.NOTE: For complete information on thecapabilities of your forklift, refer tomanual provided by the manufacturer.Lift Heightthe operator’sForklifts are available in standard models that havelift heights of up to 210 inches. The lift height of aforklift selected for an operation depends on how highthe material is stored and the overall height of theforklift, with the mast lowered, that must clear doorcasings, overhead obstructions, and other buildinglimitations. Also, there are restrictions and limitationson lift height during unloading and loading of cargovessels, trucks, tractor-trailers, and so forth.CapacityThe capacity of the forklift must be equal to the task.For this reason, the weight of each load must be knownbefore a lift is made.8-8
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