Skills of a Stand Up Forklift Driver
The forklift or powered industrial truck is a heavy duty equipment found in almost every warehouse and factory. These tough and reliable equipment can lift and transport heavy items which are not able to lift by hand. There is some specific training complete in order to be able to safely operate a forklift. Most employers prefer a degree in high school. Because the forklift is a heavy piece of machinery it could be dangerous if not correctly handled, therefore, the skills of the driver are extremely 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 guarantee that both the forklift and load will fit it designed area. It is important to have good judgement to be able to negotiate tight turns and move the forklift around obstacles in order to be able to competently drive the machinery in reverse.
Concentration and Reflexes
Required forklift operator skills include excellent hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes. Like for example, if a stack of items in a load or a pallet is off balance and about to fall, the driver should be able to respond quickly and try to fix the problem. In order to avoid mishaps, a high level of concentration is needed when operating and working in the vicinity of these machinery.
Adaptability
Depending upon the job, amongst the top skills of a forklift operator is to be able to adapt to their specific work setting. Depending upon each task, this can change on a continuous basis. Several forklift jobs need operators to be exposed to dangerous equipment, harmful materials, odors, loud noises or fumes. Work atmospheres and warehouses can be busy places. The lift truck operator should be able to keep a cool head and an eye toward safety in general. Furthermore, many forklift jobs require being outdoors to unload goods or move items; thus, the operator must be ready at the possibility of working in poor weather conditions.
Machinery Maintenance
Operators must be able to follow instructions and understand how heavy equipment works. Drivers need to learn how to double check an OSHA safety checklist and be able to make certain that the steering, the horn, the lights, the forks and the brakes, along with other components are functioning at an optimal level.
The operator of the lift truck must also be able to properly maintain the lift truck and have to know when something is not functioning correctly. An essential part of forklift truck training is also being able to explain machine problems to mechanics.