Skills of a Stand Up Forklift Driver
The forklift or powered industrial truck is a heavy duty machinery found in practically every warehouse and factory. These tough and reliable machines could raise and transport heavy things that are not able to lift manually. There is some specific training complete in order to be able to utilize a forklift safely. Most employers prefer a high school degree. As the forklift is a heavy piece of machine it can be dangerous if not properly handled, therefore, the skills of the operator are very important.
Good Judgment
To be able to estimate the weight of a load, the forklift driver has to have good judgement, able to judge both the height and weight of the load. Knowing the particulars will help to guarantee that both the load and forklift will fit it designed area. It is vital to have proper judgement to be able to negotiate tight turns and move the forklift around obstacles in order to be able to competently drive the machine in reverse.
Reflexes and Concentration
Necessary forklift operator skills include quick reflexes and excellent hand-eye coordination. Like for example, if a stack of items in a pallet or load is off balance and about to fall, the driver must be able to quickly respond and try to fix the problem. In order to avoid accidents, a high level of concentration is required when operating and working near these machines.
Adaptability
Depending on the task, one of the top skills of a forklift driver is to be able to adapt to their specific work environment. Depending on each task, this could change on a continuous basis. Some forklift jobs require drivers to be exposed to damaging materials, dangerous machinery, loud noises, fumes or odors. Work atmospheres and warehouses can be very busy places. The lift truck driver should be able to keep an eye toward safety and a cool head overall. Additionally, numerous forklift tasks require being outdoors to transport items or unload merchandise; hence, the driver must be prepared at the likelihood of working in poor weather conditions.
Machinery Maintenance
Operators must be able to follow directions and understand how heavy machine works. Drivers must learn how to double check an Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety checklist and could make certain that the horn, the lights, the steering, the brakes and the forks, along with other parts are working at an optimal level.
Forklift truck drivers need to also understand how to correctly maintain the vehicles and have to know when something is not working correctly. An essential part of forklift truck training is also being able to explain to mechanics about equipment problems.