To ensure that safety is a top priority, there are 5 key steps. To be able to make sure that the unit is visually safe, the initial step is to perform a Walk-Around Inspection. After that check if the work place is safe to use with a Worksite Assessment. The Function Test is the third step in order to determine whether or not the model is functioning safely. The 4th thing to consider is Proper Operation, in order to know whether or not the model is operating safely. Lastly, Proper Shutdown must be checked in order to make sure the model is in a safe place and is capable of shutting down properly.
At the center of the 5 steps and this regulation, there is a machine which stands on a triangular footprint and lifts heavy weights to impressive heights. The key goal is to keep the telehandler upright, but surely there are risks.
The triangular base of the telehandler consists of the two front wheels and the rear-axle pivot point. The rear axles usually oscillates, therefore the back wheels are not considered part of the base. The telehandler remains upright so long as the center of gravity of the machine, which is defined as the point in 3 dimensions around which the weight of the machine is balanced, stays oriented in the stability triangle.
When the boom is down, adding a load to the forks at that time moves the center of gravity down and forward. Lifting the load will change the center of gravity upwards and to the rear. At the same time, when this occurs, the stability triangle shrinks. Hence, the higher you raise a load, the less of a margin for error you have since the stability triangle lessens.
With a stable but small stability triangle, it leaves less room for the center of gravity to move right or left. This wandering action can change the stability triangle, leaving less room for the frame to remain balanced if it is not perfectly level. Like for instance, imagine the center of gravity resembling a plumb bob hanging from the boom. You will always be able to find the center of gravity someplace on a totally vertical line between the center of the ground and a point on the boom. If the frame is not level, the center of gravity will not be oriented over the machine's centerline. The stability triangle is continuously aligned with the centerline of the telehandler.