Skills of a Stand Up Forklift Driver
The powered industrial truck or forklift is a heavy duty machine found in practically every factory and warehouse. These tough and reliable machines could raise and move heavy things that are not able to raise manually. There is some specific training complete in order to be able to safely use a forklift. Nearly all employers prefer a degree in high school. Since the forklift is a heavy piece of equipment it could be dangerous if not properly handled, therefore, the skills of the driver are very important.
Good Judgment
The forklift operator needs to have good judgment to be able to estimate how much a load weighs. They have to be able to judge the width and height of the cargo in order to ensure that it would fit in a designed area. It is very essential to have good judgement to be able to negotiate tight turns and move the forklift around obstacles in order to be able to capably drive the machinery in reverse.
Concentration and Reflexes
Operator skills that come in handy are quick reflexes and good hand-eye coordination. For example, if a stack of objects in a pallet or load is off balance and about to fall, the operator needs to be able to respond quickly and try to solve the problem. In order to prevent mishaps, a high level of concentration is needed when operating and working in the vicinity of these machinery.
Adaptability
Depending upon the job, among the top skills of a forklift driver is to be able to adapt to their specific work setting. Depending on each job, this could change on a continuous basis. Several forklift jobs need drivers to be exposed to damaging materials, dangerous equipment, loud noises, fumes or odors. Warehouses and work atmosphere can be busy places. The forklift driver must be able to keep an eye toward safety and a cool head in general. Additionally, numerous forklift jobs require being outdoors to move items or unload goods; thus, the operator has to be prepared at the likelihood of working in bad weather.
Machine Maintenance
Operators should be able to follow instructions and understand how heavy machine works. Operators have to learn how to double check an Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety checklist and could make certain that the lights, the steering, the horn, the brakes and the forks, along with other components are functioning at an optimal level.
Forklift truck operators have to also understand how to correctly maintain the vehicles and have to know when something is not functioning correctly. An essential part of forklift truck training is also being able to explain to mechanics about machine problems.