Rough Terrain Lift Truck Training
Normally utilized on construction sites and on forestry and logging projects, Class VII or rough terrain lift trucks is a popular choice for a lot of outdoor settings which require a machinery to run on uneven ground. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA states that drivers must receive classroom style training or lecture as well as supervised driving training. Periodic refresher training courses should be taken by the drivers so as to keep them in top form.
Lecture or Classroom Training
The first step is taking instruction in a classroom or lecture style. Training consists of the essential information about the machine that the driver will be working with. Specifics like how to refuel the forklift and lifting capacities are discussed. Safety tips are essential to understand prior to operation. OSHA does not place a minimum time requirement on classroom training, although, they do state that 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 like when drivers learn to operate a passenger automobile. The operator should learn how to operate the specific kind of rough terrain forklift which they will drive in the workplace. Additionally, they have to practice operating this forklift in an environment that closely replicates the conditions wherein they would be driving. Some of the other conditions covered in training include dealing with pedestrians, structures nearby and vehicle traffic.
Certification
The supervisor can certify the operator for that workplace after a supervisor determines whether a driver is capable of safely driving a rough terrain lift truck. The certification for the operator 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. 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 driver has been certified the first time.
There are some very essential safety concerns associated with operating a lift truck. Operators have to stay alert and able to drive with the utmost attention and care. Practicing good habits could actually save lives at the end of the day. What's more, much less damage to the products, the work environment or the machine itself happens when operators are working at the top of their game.