Forklift Truck Training
You must be trained on a forklift or an industrial-powered lift truck before becoming a qualified operator. This particular training is often modified to the particular kind of equipment, any machine attachment to be used by the operator and individual facility. It is important to have safety foremost on the mind of the trainee or the trainer.
General Qualifications
For individuals who want to operate a forklift, they have to be at least 18 years old and have the physical ability to safely operate and control the kind of machine they are training for. Before assuming any operator duties, all operators should be trained properly.
Pedestrian Safety
One of the most common types of forklift related injuries happens when a pedestrian is struck by the equipment. Operators of forklifts are required to always yield to pedestrians and utilize their horns when nearing any crosswalk, pedestrian area or intersection.
Weather Conditions
Among the most hazardous places to use a forklift are loading docks. When rain filters in through dock doors that are open, the floor can become very slippery and dangerous. It is really important for operators of forklifts to take these situations into account when operating within these types of environments.
Certification
Both classroom instructions and hands-on exercises should be completed in order to become a qualified forklift operator. This particular type of training can be adjusted to suit all the requirements of each kind of workplace; for example, incorporating the different attachments which would be utilized on that particular jobsite and each particular kind of machine.
Accidents
Unfortunately about 100 individuals are killed each year in forklift accidents. Furthermore, there are about 100,000 who are injured. With correct forklift training and safe use of the machines, the majority of these injuries can be avoided all together.