Duties of a Forklift Driver
Forklift operators are employed in factories and warehouses to be able to transport supplies from one location to another. Operators require particular training, which is normally offered by the workplace. Prospective operators should be able to pass both a background check and a drug test.
Daily Inspections
Carrying out functionality and safety inspections on a daily basis is part of the many responsibilities of a forklift driver. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration mandates that all forklifts be inspected before use. The operator must inspect the forklift again after the shift. Yearly safety training is a very essential part of a forklift driver's job description.
Unloading and Loading
To unload and load materials and to stack things in an efficient and timely manner, forklift operators use the forklift controls.
Weighing Materials
As part of the various responsibilities, the forklift operator must both weigh and log the weights of the materials they should transport.
Quality Control
One more important part of a forklift driver's role is quality control. This involves ensuring orders are correct and making certain the supplies do not sustain damage while transporting them.
Battery Maintenance and Care
To be able to make certain that the unit has a long life span, proper forklift battery maintenance is essential. Care and maintenance procedures consist of inspecting the level of water inside the battery around every five charge cycles, filling the cell to just above the visible protector, being careful not to overflow the water, and cleaning up any spills. When a forklift battery is charging, never interrupt the cycle.
PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
When performing works on the forklift battery, such as checking the level of water, Personal Protective Equipment or PPE is essential. Both eye protection and hand protection must be worn, and an acid spill kit and a fire extinguisher should be on hand. Forklift operators should always observe safety regulations. The charging area should be kept ventilated and clear of open flame.