Rough Terrain Lift Truck Training
Rough terrain or Class VII lift trucks are usually used in forestry and logging projects and are common on construction sites. They are the popular choice for outdoor conditions that depend on a machine to run on uneven ground. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA states that operators must receive lecture or classroom style training as well as supervised driving training. Periodic refresher training courses are taken by the operators in order to keep them in top form.
Lecture or Classroom Training
The first step is taking instruction in a classroom or lecture style. Training includes the necessary information about the equipment that the driver will be working with. Specifics like for instance how to refuel the forklift and lifting capacities are talked about. Safety tips are really important to understand prior to operation. OSHA does not place a minimum time requirement on classroom training, however, they do state that oral and written exams could be part of the training process.
Supervised Driving
The next step in rough terrain lift truck training includes supervised driving, like when someone learns to drive a passenger car. The operator has to learn how to drive the specific type of rough terrain forklift that they would operate in the workplace. Moreover, they need to practice operating this type of forklift in an environment which closely replicates the conditions wherein they would be driving. Some of the other situations covered in training comprise dealing with structures nearby, vehicle traffic and pedestrians.
Certification
After a supervisor determines that a driver is capable of safely driving a rough terrain forklift, the supervisor can certify the driver for that workplace. The operator's certification is kept in the operator's personnel file. If the training is to be taken in a 3rd party training facility, the trainer hands the operator the certification. As work environments differ, the certifications are not transferable; thus, drivers should be re-certified again in the new environment. Usually, training passes faster after the operator has been certified the first time.
The safety problems connected with operating a lift truck are really vital. It is important that drivers stay alert and drive with utmost attention and care. Practicing good habits could save lives at the end of the day. Additionally, much less damage to the goods, the work environment or the equipment itself occurs when drivers are working at the top of their game.