Rough Terrain Lift Truck Training
Commonly used on construction locations and on logging and forestry projects, Rough terrain or Class VII forklifts is a popular alternative for many outdoor settings that require a vehicle to run on uneven ground. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA states that operators need to receive lecture or classroom style training in addition to supervised driving training. Regular refresher training courses must be taken by the operators so as to keep them in top form.
Classroom or Lecture Training
The initial step is taking instruction in a classroom or lecture style. Training includes the necessary information about the equipment that the operator would be working with. Details such as lifting capacities and how to refuel the lift truck are discussed. Safety tips are vital to understand prior to operation. OSHA does not place a minimum time requirement on classroom training, however, 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 operate a passenger automobile. The driver must learn how to operate the specific type of rough terrain forklift that they would drive in the workplace. In addition, they need to practice operating this kind of forklift in an environment that closely replicates the situations in which they will be driving. Several of the other conditions covered in training comprise handling pedestrians, structures nearby and vehicle traffic.
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 can 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. Because work environments differ, the certifications are not transferable; thus, operators should be re-certified again in the new environment. Usually, training passes more quickly after the driver has been certified the first time.
There are a few very 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 save lives at the end of the day. Also, much less damage to the machinery itself, the products or the work environment happens when drivers are working at the top of their game.