Rough Terrain Lift Truck Training
Commonly utilized on construction sites and on logging and forestry projects, Class VII or rough terrain forklifts is a popular choice for lots of outdoor conditions which require a machinery to run on uneven ground. The OSHA or Occupational Safety and Health Administration states that operators must receive classroom style training or lecture combined with supervised driving training. Periodic 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 forklift, the initial step is taking lecture or classroom type of instruction. This training includes information regarding the machine which the driver would be utilizing. Specifics like for example lifting capacities and how to refuel the lift truck are discussed. Safety tips are important 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 can 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 drive a passenger car. The operator must learn how to drive the particular type of rough terrain forklift that they would drive in the workplace. Moreover, 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 handling vehicle traffic, pedestrians and nearby structures.
Certification
After a supervisor determines that an operator is capable of safely driving a rough terrain lift truck, the supervisor could 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. Because work environments differ, the certifications are not transferable; thus, operators must be re-certified again in the new environment. Typically, training passes faster after the driver has been certified the first time.
There are some really essential safety problems connected with operating a lift truck. Operators have 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 work environment, the machinery itself or the products occurs when operators are working at the top of their game.