Rough Terrain Forklift Training
Commonly utilized on construction locations and on forestry and logging projects, Class VII or rough terrain lift trucks is a popular alternative for many outdoor conditions that require a machine to run on uneven ground. The OSHA or Occupational Safety and Health Administration states that drivers should receive lecture or classroom style training as well as supervised driving training. Regular refresher training courses are taken by the operators in order to keep them in top form.
Classroom or Lecture Training
When learning to operate a rough terrain lift truck, the initial step is taking lecture or classroom type of instruction. This training consists of information regarding the machinery that the driver would be utilizing. Details like for example how to refuel the forklift and lifting capacities are discussed. Safety tips are really vital to understand before operation. OSHA does not place a minimum time requirement on classroom training, however, they do state that oral and written exams may be part of the training process.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driving is the next step in the rough terrain lift truck training, quite like when drivers learn to drive a passenger automobile. The driver is required to learn how to operate the particular type of rough terrain forklift that they would drive in the workplace. Additionally, they must practice operating this forklift in an environment which closely replicates the situations in which they would be driving. Some of the other conditions covered in training include dealing with nearby structures, vehicle traffic and pedestrians.
Certification
The supervisor can certify the operator for that workplace after a supervisor determines whether an operator is capable of safely driving a rough terrain forklift. The certification for the operator 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 differ, the certifications are not transferable; hence, drivers should be re-certified again in the new environment. Normally, training passes faster after the operator has been certified the first time.
There are some very important safety concerns associated with driving a lift truck. Operators need to stay alert and able to drive with the utmost care and attention. Practicing good habits could save lives at the end of the day. What's more, much less damage to the goods, the work environment or the machine itself happens when drivers are working at the top of their game.