Rough Terrain Lift Truck Training
Usually used on construction locations and on logging and forestry projects, Class VII or rough terrain forklifts is a popular option for lots of outdoor conditions that need a vehicle to run on uneven ground. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA states that drivers need to receive classroom style training or lecture 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
When learning to operate a rough terrain forklift, the initial step is taking classroom type of instruction or lecture. This training consists of information regarding the machine which the driver will be using. Details like for instance lifting capacities and how to refuel the forklift are discussed. Safety tips are essential to understand before operation. OSHA does not place a minimum time requirement on classroom training, however, they do state that written and oral exams could be part of the training process.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driving is the next step in the rough terrain forklift training, quite like when drivers learn to operate a passenger car. The driver must learn how to operate the particular kind of rough terrain forklift which they would drive in the workplace. Furthermore, they need to practice operating this type of forklift in an environment which closely replicates the situations in which they would be driving. Several of the other conditions covered in training include dealing with pedestrians, nearby structures and vehicle traffic.
Certification
After a supervisor determines that an operator is capable of safely operating 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 vary, the certifications are not transferable; thus, drivers need to be re-certified again in the new environment. Usually, training passes faster after the driver has been certified the first time.
There are a few extremely important safety problems connected with operating a forklift. Operators have to stay alert and able to drive with the utmost care and attention. Practicing good habits could really save lives at the end of the day. As well, much less damage to the work environment, the machine itself or the merchandise happens when operators are working at the top of their game.