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 option for outdoor settings which rely on a machine to run on uneven ground. The OSHA or Occupational Safety and Health Administration states that drivers must receive classroom style training or lecture in addition to supervised driving training. Periodic refresher training courses must be taken by the drivers 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 essential information regarding the machinery which the driver will be working with. Details like how to refuel the lift truck and lifting capacities are discussed. Safety tips are really essential to understand prior to operation. OSHA does not place a minimum time requirement on classroom training, however, they do state that both oral and written exams could be part of the training process.
Supervised Driving
The next step in rough terrain forklift training includes supervised driving, like when somebody learns to drive a passenger automobile. The driver must learn how to operate the particular kind of rough terrain forklift which they would operate in the workplace. What's more, they should practice operating this forklift in an environment that closely replicates the conditions wherein they would be driving. Some of the other situations covered in training include dealing with vehicle traffic, pedestrians and nearby structures.
Certification
The supervisor can certify the driver for that workplace after a supervisor determines whether an operator is capable of safely driving a rough terrain forklift. The certification for the driver could be kept in their personnel file. If the training is to be taken in a 3rd party training facility, the trainer hands the driver the certification. As work environments vary, the certifications are not transferable; hence, operators need to be re-certified again in the new environment. Typically, training passes faster after the driver has been certified the first time.
The safety issues associated with operating a lift truck are extremely vital. It is essential that operators stay alert and drive with utmost attention and care. Practicing good habits can really save lives at the end of the day. What's more, much less damage to the goods, the work environment or the machine itself occurs when drivers are working at the top of their game.