Skills of a Stand Up Forklift Driver
The forklift or powered industrial truck is a heavy duty equipment found in almost every warehouse and factory. These tough and reliable equipment can raise and move heavy items which are not able to lift manually. There is some particular training complete in order to be able to use a forklift safely. Nearly all employers prefer a high school degree. Because the forklift is a heavy piece of machinery it can be dangerous if not properly handled, therefore, the skills of the operator are very important.
Good Judgment
The forklift operator needs to have good judgment to be able to estimate how much a load weighs. They have to be able to judge the height and width of the cargo so as to ensure that it will fit in a designed area. It is very important to have good judgement to be able to negotiate tight turns and move the forklift around obstacles in order to be able to competently drive the machine in reverse.
Reflexes and Concentration
Necessary lift truck skills skills include excellent hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes. Like for example, if a stack of objects in a load or a pallet is off balance and about to fall, the operator needs to be able to respond quickly and try to solve the problem. To be able to prevent accidents, a high level of concentration is needed when operating and working near these machinery.
Adaptability
One of the top skills of a forklift operator is that they have to be adaptable to the work surroundings. This can be continually changing depending on the task. Several forklift tasks require drivers to be exposed to damaging materials, dangerous machines, fumes, odors or loud noises. Work atmospheres and warehouses could be busy places. The driver of the forklift must be able to keep an eye toward safety and a cool head overall. Furthermore, numerous forklift jobs require being outdoors to move things or unload goods; thus, the operator must be prepared at the possibility of working in poor weather.
Machinery Maintenance
Forklift operators need to understand how heavy mobile machine works and have to be able and willing to follow directions. Drivers need to learn how to double check an Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety checklist and be able to guarantee that the steering, the horn, the lights, the forks and the brakes, along with other parts are functioning at an optimal level.
The driver of the lift truck must also be able to properly maintain the forklift and have to know when something is not functioning correctly. An essential part of forklift truck training is also being able to explain to mechanics about machinery problems.