Rough Terrain Lift Truck Training
Rough terrain or Class VII forklifts are often utilized in forestry and logging projects and are common on construction sites. They are the popular alternative for outdoor conditions that rely on a vehicle to run on uneven ground. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA states that operators should 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 lift truck, the initial step is taking classroom type of instruction or lecture. This training consists of information about the equipment that the operator will be using. Details like lifting capacities and how to refuel the forklift are discussed. Safety tips are really important to understand before operation. OSHA does not place a minimum time requirement on classroom training, however, they do state that both oral and written exams may be part of the training process.
Supervised Driving
The next step in rough terrain forklift training involves supervised driving, similar to when someone learns to drive a passenger car. The driver should learn how to operate the particular kind of rough terrain forklift which they will operate in the workplace. Furthermore, they should practice operating this forklift in an environment that closely replicates the situations wherein they will be driving. Some of the other conditions covered in training include dealing with vehicle traffic, pedestrians and structures nearby.
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 lift truck. 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 operator the certification. As work environments differ, the certifications are not transferable; thus, operators must be re-certified again in the new environment. Typically, training passes more quickly after the driver has been certified the first time.
The safety concerns connected with driving a forklift are very important. It is vital that drivers stay alert and drive with utmost care and attention. Practicing good habits can actually save lives at the end of the day. Moreover, much less damage to the work environment, the machine itself or the merchandise happens when operators are working at the top of their game.