Rough Terrain Lift Truck Training
Rough terrain or Class VII lift trucks are normally utilized in logging and forestry projects and are common on construction sites. They are the popular choice for outdoor conditions which rely on a vehicle to run on uneven ground. The OSHA or Occupational Safety and Health Administration states that operators need to receive lecture or classroom style training together with supervised driving training. Periodic refresher training courses are taken by the operators in order to keep them in top form.
Lecture or Classroom Training
When learning to operate a rough terrain forklift, the initial step is taking classroom type of instruction or lecture. This training includes information about the machinery that the driver will be using. Specifics like for instance how to refuel the lift truck and lifting capacities are talked about. Safety tips are really essential to understand prior to operation. OSHA does not place a minimum time requirement on classroom training, although, they do state that oral and written exams can be part of the training process.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driving is the next step in the rough terrain forklift training, quite like when drivers learn to operate a passenger car. The operator is required to learn how to drive the particular type of rough terrain lift truck which they will operate in the workplace. Furthermore, they need to practice operating this type of forklift in an environment which closely replicates the conditions in which they would be driving. Some of the other conditions covered in training comprise dealing with vehicle traffic, pedestrians and nearby structures.
Certification
The supervisor can certify the driver for that workplace after a supervisor determines whether an operator is capable of safely driving a rough terrain forklift. The certification for the driver could be kept in their personnel file. If the training is to be taken in a 3rd party training facility, the trainer hands the driver the certification. Since work environments vary, the certifications are not transferable; hence, operators should be re-certified again in the new environment. Normally, training passes faster after the operator has been certified the first time.
The safety concerns associated with operating a lift truck are very vital. It is essential that drivers stay alert and drive with utmost care and attention. Practicing good habits could save lives at the end of the day. Moreover, much less damage to the products, the work environment or the machinery itself happens when drivers are working at the top of their game.