Rough Terrain Lift Truck Training
Rough terrain or Class VII forklifts are normally used in logging and forestry projects and are common on construction locations. They are the popular option for outdoor conditions that rely on a vehicle to run on uneven ground. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA states that drivers need to 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.
Classroom or Lecture Training
When learning to drive a rough terrain forklift, the first step is taking classroom type of instruction or lecture. This training consists of information about the machinery that the driver will be utilizing. Specifics such as how to refuel the forklift 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, however, they do state that both written and oral exams may 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 automobile. The driver is required to learn how to operate the particular kind of rough terrain forklift that they would drive in the workplace. Furthermore, they must practice operating this lift truck in an environment that closely replicates the situations in which they would be driving. Some of the other situations covered in training include dealing with structures nearby, vehicle traffic and pedestrians.
Certification
After a supervisor determines that a driver is capable of safely operating a rough terrain forklift, the supervisor may 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. As work environments vary, the certifications are not transferable; hence, drivers need to be re-certified again in the new environment. Usually, training passes more quickly after the driver has been certified the first time.
There are some extremely vital safety issues connected with operating a forklift. Operators need to stay alert and able to drive with the utmost care and attention. Practicing good habits can save lives at the end of the day. Furthermore, much less damage to the equipment itself, the products or the work environment occurs when operators are working at the top of their game.