Skills of a Stand Up Forklift Operator
The forklift or powered industrial truck is a heavy duty machine found in practically every warehouse and factory. These tough and reliable machines can raise and move heavy items that are not able to lift by hand. There is some specific training complete so as to be able to use a forklift safely. Most employers prefer a high school degree. Because the forklift is a heavy piece of equipment it could be dangerous if not handled correctly, thus, the driver's skills are extremely necessary.
Good Judgment
To be able to estimate how much a load weighs, the forklift driver has to have good judgement, able to judge both the weight and height of the cargo. Knowing the particulars would help to guarantee that both the forklift and load will fit it designed area. It is important to have good judgement in order to negotiate tight turns and move the forklift around obstacles in order to be able to competently drive the equipment in reverse.
Concentration and Reflexes
Necessary lift truck operator skills consist of quick reflexes and excellent hand-eye coordination. For instance, if a stack of objects in a pallet or load is off balance and about to fall, the driver has to be able to quickly respond and try to fix the problem. To be able to prevent mishaps, a high level of concentration is necessary when utilizing and working in the vicinity of these machinery.
Adaptability
Amongst the top skills of a forklift operator is that they have to be adaptable to the work environment. This can be continually changing depending on the job. Some forklift jobs require drivers to be exposed to dangerous equipment, damaging materials, fumes, odors or loud noises. Work surroundings and warehouses could be very busy places. The forklift driver must be able to keep an eye toward safety and a cool head in general. Additionally, numerous forklift tasks require being outdoors to transport items or unload goods; therefore, the operator needs to be prepared at the likelihood of working in poor weather.
Equipment Maintenance
Forklift operators need to understand how heavy mobile machinery works and need to be able and willing to follow instructions. Drivers should learn how to double check an OSHA safety checklist and be able to make sure that the horn, the lights, the steering, the brakes and the forks, along with other components are functioning at an optimal level.
Forklift truck operators need to also understand how to correctly maintain the vehicles and need to know when something is not working properly. An essential part of lift truck truck training is also being able to explain machinery issues to mechanics.