Operating Rules.

TM 38-400/NAVSUP PUB 572/AFMAN 23-210 MCO 4450.14/DLAM 4145.12

stressed. The operating rules listed in this paragraph

fore the truck is driven over a load, the hoist shoes must

are examples of typical rules.

be swung outward. The truck must be driven carefully

over the load and stopped so that the hoist shoes are

midway along the sides of the load. Then with the gear

a. All equipment. The following operating rules are

shift lever in neutral, the hoist shoes are swung into

applicable to all MHE:

contact with the bolsters on which the load is tacked and

(1) No truck or tractor car be safer than the

the hoist is engaged. (If the swing of the shoes is

person who is operating it. For this reason, only

automatic with the hoist, or if the truck has rigid shoes,

authorized, properly trained and licensed persons will be

the engagement of the hoist will raise the load.) If

permitted to operate industrial trucks and tractors.

necessary, the booster lever is used to assist in raising

(2) As soon as the operators go on duty, they

the load.

should check the condition of the equipment. Operators

i. Moving the load. When the load is securely in

will be required to inspect the brakes, steering

position, the truck may be moved either forward or

apparatus, horn, oil, gas, and water. Defects noted

backward, as desired. When the load is to be carried a

should be reported immediately to the supervisor. The

considerable distance, the truck should be driven

operator will have authority to refuse to move an

forward. The truck must be driven only over solid

improperly loaded truck or tractor or one which is not in

ground. Hitting an obstruction may spill the load or

safe mechanical condition.

seriously damage the truck. A truck carrying a load

(3) Insofar as practicable, each operator

which extends ahead or behind the truck may be difficult

should be assigned to a specific truck or tractor and

for the trainee to maneuver. For this reason, the trainee

should be held responsible for it. No equipment will be

should first practice moving relatively short loads. Also,

operated by anyone other than the person to whom it is

the new operator must be cautioned not to stop the truck

assigned.

abruptly. A sudden stop can cause the load to slide out

(4) Operators will not permit their equipment

from the carriage and result in serious accidents.

to be operated by unauthorized, unlicensed personnel.

j. Placing the load. The trainee should next

(5) No engine will be left running while the

practice placing the load in various positions designated

operator is off the truck or tractor or when the vehicle is

by the instructor. The truck must be at full stop before

parked within a building. The engine should always be

the load is spotted. Loads must never be dropped to the

stopped and the hand brake set.

ground, but must be lowered gradually under power. If

(6) Equipment will always be taken out of the

the truck is equipped with swinging shoes which do not

building to obtain gasoline. Under no circumstances is it

swing out automatically as the hoist is lowered, the

permissible to refuel gasolinedriven vehicles inside

shoes must be swung outward before driving away from

warehouses. During the refueling operation, smoking is

the load. The trainee must avoid placing the load in

prohibited in the area.

such a position that they cannot drive the truck away

from it. As an illustration, a careless operator may

(7) Gasoline tanks will not be filled while the

maneuver the truck into a limited space, lower the load,

engine is running.

and then find that they cannot back the truck far enough

(8) Before restarting an engine, all spilled

to turn it and drive away.

gasoline will be cleaned up.

k. Special handling jobs. The training should be

(9) A fire extinguisher must be on hand when

completed with practice in handling the truck for special

operators are filling gasoline tanks. All operators should

jobs and under unusual circumstances that might be

know how to use a fire extinguisher.

encountered. If extremely long pieces of lumber are

(10) At the outset, all loads to be moved will

occasionally carried by the truck, or if it must, at times,

be inspected. The operator should not overload; should

operate in unusually restricted areas, trainees should

not move a questionable load; should avoid carrying

practice operation under these difficulties and

loose material; and should refuse to move unsafe loads.

understand the problems and dangers involved.

(11) Each operator must know the load

capacity of his machine.

4-41. Operating Rules.

(12) Each operator must ensure that the load

is well balanced before moving.

During training sessions, operating rules applicable to

(13) Speeding, stunt driving, and "horseplay"

individual types of equipment should be

will not be permitted.

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