Final answer:
The correct action to take when starting a forklift is to engage the brakes to ensure safety. Other options involve shifting or throttling, which are not safe practices when starting up. Safe operation also entails consideration of stopping distances, forces, and energy consumption.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before starting an IC-powered (internal combustion powered) forklift, it is crucial to ensure that the vehicle is safe to operate. Safety checks commonly include making sure that the brakes are engaged. Option 1: Engage the brakes, is the appropriate action to perform when starting a forklift. Engaging the brakes helps to prevent any unintended movement of the vehicle when the engine starts. It is not advisable to shift into reverse or apply full throttle while starting the forklift, as these actions can lead to unsafe situations. Option 3, using the horn, is not related to the starting procedure but is often used to alert others when the forklift is moving or about to move.
To elaborate on operating a forklift safely using the provided information, we would analyze the distances and braking times to ensure that the forklift operator has enough reaction time and space to safely stop the forklift. This involves understanding the forces and energies in use, including the potential energy from the work done by the brakes (Wload). In heavy machinery, such as forklifts, hydraulic and mechanical lever systems play a crucial role. When considering energy usage, forklifts tend to consume a substantial amount of power, particularly during heavy lifting (high-duty cycle), hence using smaller batteries with more frequent charging could be more efficient for operations.