To make sure that safety is a main concern, there are 5 key steps. In order to ensure that the model is visually safe, the initial step is to perform a Walk-Around Inspection. Next assess if the worksite is safe to use with a Worksite Assessment. The Function Test is the third step so as to determine whether or not the unit is working safely. The 4th thing to think about is Proper Operation, in order to determine whether or not the unit is working safely. Lastly, Proper Shutdown should be checked so as to make sure the model is capable of shutting down properly and is in a safe place.
At the center of the 5 steps and this regulation, there is a machine that lifts heavy weights to impressive heights and stands on a triangular footprint. The key goal is to be able to keep the telehandler upright, but of course there are risks.
The telehandler's triangular base consists of the rear-axle pivot point and the two front wheels. The rear axles normally oscillates, thus the rear wheels are not considered part of the base. The telehandler remains upright so long as the center of gravity of the equipment, which is defined as the point in 3 dimensions around which the weight of the equipment is balanced, stays oriented inside the stability triangle.
When the boom is down, adding a load to the forks at that same time moves the center of gravity down and forward. Lifting the load would move the center of gravity to the rear and upwards. At the same time, when this happens, the stability triangle shrinks. Therefore, the higher you raise a load, the less of a margin for error you have since 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 perfectly level. Like for example, imagine the center of gravity resembling a plumb bob hanging from the boom. You would 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 always aligned with the centerline of the equipment.