Although a load maybe placed on or removed froma stack by using the hoist lever, you will learn frompractice that a load can be placed or removed entirelywith the tilting mechanism. The tilting mechanism isdesigned to raise the load arms slightly, as the mast istilted backwards.Practice raising the load while the forklift drawsnear the stack to reduce strain on the engine and thebrakes. Study the problem of load handling, and keepin mind that carefully planned operations produce themost work with the least fatigue to yourself.Lift and lower with the mast vertical or tilted slightlyback. Tilt elevated loads forward only when they aredirectly over the unloading place. If the load or liftingmechanism is raised to pick up or deposit a load, reducethe tilt in either direction. Remember the side stabilityof the load and do not tilt back any farther than isnecessary.CAUTIONUnder no condition should additionalcounterweights be added to any materials-handling equipment to increase its stability orlifting capacity.Long ObjectsAs a forklift operator, you may be tasked to movelumber, steel, piling, or pipe. You must know where thecenter of balance (C/B) is to move long loads. Movinglong objects takes special forklift operator skills.CARRYING.— The load on the forklift shown infigure 8-23 is too wide for the door of the warehouse.In this case, the techniques of operation shown in figure8-24 should be followed so the forklift and long load canbe maneuvered through the door. With practice, thistechnique can be used to maneuver around mostobstacles.POSITIONING.— The positioning of long objectsfor loading can be a problem, and it is best to placedunnage under the object if it is not on a pallet. Thethickness of the dunnage should allow the forks to slideout freely from the load. To load a piece of pipe, piling,or anything round, you must place blocking or dunnageto prevent the round object from rolling. Then tilt theforks forward until they are flat on the floor and slidethem from underneath the object.FORKLIFT SAFETYSafety is a vital part of forklift operations. Manyforklift safety practices are as simple and clear as thosefor driving the family automobile. For instance, beforeyou start your car, you check to see if the transmissionis in NEUTRAL or PARK. When stopping your car, youdo so gradually, not abruptly. Because a forklift is aspecial machine designed for a different purpose, youmust exercise more caution and receive more training tooperate a forklift properly.The techniques for safe forklift operations are asfollows:1. Avoid lifting or hitting anything that is likely tofall on you or other personnel in the area. Rememberthat a forklift equipped with an overhead guard or ROPSFigure 8-23.—Load too wide to maneuver through a warehouse door.8-12
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