Rough Terrain Lift Truck Training
Class VII or rough terrain forklifts are usually utilized in logging and forestry projects and are common on construction sites. They are the popular alternative for outdoor conditions which rely on a vehicle to run on uneven ground. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA states that operators should receive classroom style training or lecture in addition to supervised driving training. Periodic refresher training courses must be taken by the operators so as to keep them in top form.
Lecture or Classroom Training
The initial step is taking instruction in a lecture or classroom style. Training consists of the necessary information about the equipment which the operator would be working with. Specifics like 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, although, 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 operate a passenger car. The operator 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. Some of the other situations covered in training include dealing with vehicle traffic, pedestrians and structures nearby.
Certification
After a supervisor determines that an operator is capable of safely driving a rough terrain forklift, the supervisor can certify the operator 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 differ, the certifications are not transferable; therefore, drivers should be re-certified again in the new environment. Usually, training passes faster after the operator has been certified the first time.
There are a few extremely important safety problems connected with operating a lift truck. Operators need to stay alert and able to drive with the utmost attention and care. Practicing good habits can save lives at the end of the day. As well, much less damage to the merchandise, the work environment or the machinery itself occurs when operators are working at the top of their game.