Rough Terrain Lift Truck Training
Rough terrain or Class VII forklifts are usually used in forestry and logging projects and are common on construction sites. They are the popular choice for outdoor conditions that rely on a vehicle to run on uneven ground. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA states that drivers should receive lecture or classroom style training as well as supervised driving training. Regular refresher training programs are taken by the drivers in order to keep them in top form.
Classroom or Lecture Training
When learning to drive a rough terrain lift truck, the first step is taking classroom type of instruction or lecture. This training consists of information regarding the machine which the driver would be utilizing. Specifics like for instance how to refuel the forklift and lifting capacities are talked about. Safety tips are really essential to understand before 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
Supervised driving is the next step in the rough terrain lift truck training, quite like when drivers learn to drive a passenger car. The operator has to learn how to operate the particular kind of rough terrain forklift that they would drive in the workplace. Furthermore, they should practice operating this type of forklift in an environment which closely replicates the situations in which they will be driving. Several of the other conditions covered in training comprise handling pedestrians, structures nearby and vehicle traffic.
Certification
The supervisor can certify the driver for that workplace after a supervisor determines whether a driver is capable of safely driving a rough terrain forklift. The certification for the operator could be kept in their 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 vary, the certifications are not transferable; thus, drivers should be re-certified again in the new environment. Typically, training passes faster after the operator has been certified the first time.
The safety concerns connected with operating a forklift are extremely important. It is important that operators stay alert and drive with utmost care and attention. Practicing good habits can really save lives at the end of the day. Additionally, much less damage to the work environment, the machine itself or the goods happens when drivers are working at the top of their game.