Okay, let’s begin with some basic principles of the equipment. Order selector equipment is designed to carry loads forward of the front wheel so that the weight of the load is counter-balanced by the weight of the truck. We call this the lever or see-saw principle. The center of the lever, or pivot point, is the front tires. The further the load is carried from this pivot point the greater will be the uplift at the front of the truck. The safety rule in this case requires the operator to carry the load against the load stops of the equipment. The farther away from the center or pivot point, the less load capacity of the vehicle. Lifting the load when the weight exceeds the truck’s capacity can create a hazardous condition. Lifting the load when the center of gravity exceeds the truck’s rated load center can also create a hazardous condition. Be sure you know and understand your equipment’s rated safe lifting capacity, and how longer loads can decrease the safe lifting capacity of your vehicle. Specifications are listed on your vehicle’s data plate located on the vehicle. We’ll discuss some safe operating rules in a minute, but first let’s review some safety rules for order selectors. Be sure your body belt and lanyard are fastened at all times when order selecting. Before operating your equipment inspect the belt and lanyard for damage, frays, or other unsafe conditions. If your equipment is damaged or unserviceable don’t operate the equipment until the body belt/lanyard devices are repaired or replaced. Order pick from the operator platform whenever possible. This is the safest position. When a supplementary operator’s platform is used it must be securely fastened to the elevating mechanism. Safe, neat stacking is one of your most important functions. Know the capacity of the floors in all stacking areas, and do not handle unstable or loosely packed loads. When tiering a load approach the stack squarely. Stop close to the stack or tier and lift the load high enough to clear the top of the stack. With the load up, move forward slowly, until the truck is almost touching the stack. The rear edge of the skid or pallet should be lined up exactly with the rear edge of the load or rack on which your stacking. With the load even, stack beneath it, lower the load carefully. Drop the fork slightly to clear the load. After checking to make sure no one is behind you, back away until the forks are clear of the stack. Stop and lower the platform. That’s a fairly simple example of proper stacking. However, you’re going to run into many different situations, different types of loads, and other variables. The most important thing is to use your good judgment, follow basic safety procedures, and make the right decision regardless of the circumstance. If you’re not sure, or if you have a question about anything, always ask your supervisor before proceeding, don’t take chances.

Let’s now take a look at the vehicle and some basic operating procedures. Keep in mind that you’re equipment may be different so follow your equipment manufacturer’s recommendations. Apply power to the truck by connecting the battery plug to the truck receptacle. Be sure the plug is fully inserted and locked into place so there is enough pressure at the contact mating surface to ensure against burning. Next depress the brake pedal to release the truck brake and activate the truck power. Turn the on/off key switch to the on position, and step down on the service parking brake and actuate the electrical system. The truck can only be operated from the operator’s platform. Before you operate the truck be sure that the guard rails are in place, and the body belt and lanyard are securely fashioned. Steering is controlled by the left hand.