There are 5 key steps to making sure that safety is a main concern. The first step is completing a Walk-Around Inspection to be able to insure that the model is visually safe. Next assess if the worksite is safe to use with a Worksite Assessment. The Function Test is the third step in order to know whether or not the model is working in a safe manner. The 4th thing to consider is Proper Operation, so as to know whether or not the model is working safely. Last of all, Proper Shutdown should be checked in order to make certain the model is in a safe place and is capable of shutting down correctly.
At the center of the 5 steps and this regulation, there is a machine which lifts heavy weights to impressive heights and stands on a triangular footprint. The main goal is to be able to maintain the telehandler upright, but for sure there are risks.
The telehandler's triangular base comprises the two front wheels and the rear-axle pivot point. The rear axles often oscillates, therefore the rear wheels are not considered part of the base. The telehandler remains upright so long as the center of gravity of the equipment, that is defined as the point in 3 dimensions around which the equipment's weight is balanced, stays oriented inside the stability triangle.
When a load is placed on the forks whilst the boom is down, the center of gravity forward and down. The load if lifted will move the center of gravity to the rear upwards. At the same time, when this occurs, the stability triangle shrinks. Therefore, the higher you lift a load, the less of a margin for error you have as the stability triangle lessens.
When the stability triangle is small, it leaves less room for the center of gravity to move right or left. It is this wandering action which can change the stability triangle and leave less room for the frame to remain balanced if it is not completely level. 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 somewhere on a totally vertical line between a point on the boom and the center of the ground. If the frame is not level, the center of gravity will not be oriented over the centerline of the equipment. The stability triangle is continuously aligned with the equipment's centerline.