Skills of a Stand Up Forklift Driver
The forklift or powered industrial truck is a heavy duty machine found in practically every factory and warehouse. These reliable and tough equipment could raise and transport heavy items that are not able to lift by hand. There is some particular training complete so as to be able to operate a forklift safely. Most employers prefer a degree in high school. Because the forklift is a heavy piece of machine it could be dangerous if not properly handled, thus, the driver's skills are very necessary.
Good Judgment
In order to estimate the weight of a load, the forklift operator has to have good judgement, able to judge both the height and weight of the cargo. Knowing the particulars would help to ensure that the load and forklift would fit it designed area. It is important to have good judgement to be able to move the lift truck around obstacles and negotiate tight turns in order to be able to competently drive the machinery in reverse.
Concentration and Reflexes
Required lift truck skills skills include excellent hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes. For example, if a stack of objects in a load or a pallet is off balance and about to fall, the operator should be able to quickly respond and try to rectify the issue. To be able to prevent accidents, a high level of concentration is needed when using and working in the vicinity of these machines.
Adaptability
Amongst the top skills of a forklift driver is that they need to be adaptable to the work setting. This can be continually changing depending on the task. Several forklift tasks need operators to be exposed to harmful materials, dangerous machinery, fumes, odors or loud noises. Warehouses and work atmosphere can be very busy places. The lift truck operator must be able to keep a cool head and an eye toward safety overall. Additionally, numerous forklift tasks require being outdoors to unload merchandise or move things; hence, the driver needs to be ready at the possibility of working in poor climate.
Machinery Maintenance
Forklift drivers need to understand how heavy mobile machinery works and need to be able and willing to follow directions. Operators must learn how to double check an OSHA safety checklist and could ensure that the steering, the horn, the lights, the forks and the brakes, along with other components are working at an optimal level.
The operator of the lift truck should also be able to properly maintain the lift truck and need to know when something is not working properly. An essential part of lift truck truck training is also being able to explain equipment problems to mechanics.