Rough Terrain Lift Truck Training
Commonly used on construction locations and on logging and forestry projects, Class VII or rough terrain forklifts is a popular choice for a lot of outdoor conditions that need a machinery to run on uneven ground. The OSHA or Occupational Safety and Health Administration states that operators have to receive lecture or classroom style training as well as supervised driving training. Regular refresher training programs should be taken by the operators so as to keep them in top form.
Lecture or Classroom Training
The first step is taking instruction in a lecture or classroom style. Training includes the essential information about the equipment which 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, however, they do state that written and oral exams could be part of the training process.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driving is the next step in the rough terrain lift truck training, quite similar to when drivers learn to drive a passenger car. The driver is required to learn how to operate the particular kind of rough terrain forklift that they would drive in the workplace. Additionally, they should practice operating this forklift in an environment which closely replicates the conditions wherein they would be driving. Several of the other situations covered in training comprise dealing with structures nearby, vehicle traffic and pedestrians.
Certification
After a supervisor determines that an operator is capable of safely driving a rough terrain forklift, the supervisor can certify the operator for that workplace. The operator's certification is kept in the operator's personnel file. If the training is to be taken in a 3rd party training facility, the trainer hands the driver the certification. Because work environments differ, the certifications are not transferable; therefore, operators need to be re-certified again in the new environment. Typically, training passes faster after the operator has been certified the first time.
There are a few extremely vital safety problems associated with operating a forklift. 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. Also, much less damage to the work environment, the machinery itself or the goods happens when drivers are working at the top of their game.