Rough Terrain Lift Truck Training
Rough terrain or Class VII lift trucks are usually utilized in logging and forestry projects and are common on construction locations. They are the popular choice for outdoor settings that depend on a machine to run on uneven ground. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA states that operators must receive lecture or classroom style training in addition to supervised driving training. Periodic refresher training courses are taken by the operators so as 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 includes information about the equipment which the operator would be utilizing. Details like for example how to refuel the lift truck and lifting capacities are discussed. Safety tips are really vital to understand prior to operation. OSHA does not place a minimum time requirement on classroom training, although, they do state that both 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 similar to when drivers learn to operate a passenger car. The driver must learn how to operate the specific kind of rough terrain forklift that they will operate in the workplace. What's more, they must practice operating this lift truck in an environment which closely replicates the conditions in which they will be driving. Several of the other situations covered in training comprise dealing with vehicle traffic, pedestrians and structures nearby.
Certification
After a supervisor determines that an operator is capable of safely operating a rough terrain lift truck, the supervisor can certify the operator for that workplace. The operator's certification is kept in the personnel file of the operator. 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. Usually, training passes more quickly after the driver has been certified the first time.
The safety issues connected with driving a lift truck are very vital. It is essential that operators stay alert and drive with utmost attention and care. Practicing good habits could save lives at the end of the day. Furthermore, much less damage to the products, the work environment or the equipment itself occurs when operators are working at the top of their game.