Skills of a Stand Up Forklift Operator
The powered industrial truck or forklift is a heavy duty machinery found in practically every warehouse and factory. These tough and reliable machines could lift and transport heavy things that are not able to raise by hand. There is some particular training complete so as to be able to use a forklift safely. Most employers prefer a degree in high school. As the forklift is a heavy piece of equipment it could be dangerous if not handled properly, thus, the skills of the operator are very important.
Good Judgment
The forklift operator needs to have good judgment to be able to estimate the weight of a load. They have to be able to judge the height and width of the load in order to ensure that it will fit in a designed area. It is important 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 machinery in reverse.
Reflexes and Concentration
Driver skills that come in handy are good hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes. For instance, if a stack of things in a load or a pallet is off balance and about to fall, the driver needs to be able to quickly respond and try to fix the issue. To be able to avoid mishaps, a high level of concentration is necessary when utilizing and working near these machines.
Adaptability
Depending on the task, one of the top skills of a forklift operator is to be able to adapt to their specific work surroundings. Depending on each task, this may change on a continuous basis. Some forklift jobs require drivers to be exposed to dangerous machinery, harmful materials, odors, loud noises or fumes. Warehouses and work atmosphere can be very busy places. The forklift driver should be able to keep an eye toward safety and a cool head in general. In addition, lots of forklift tasks require being outdoors to unload supplies or transport items; thus, the operator should be prepared at the likelihood of working in bad climate.
Machinery Maintenance
Operators should be able to follow instructions and understand how heavy equipment works. Operators must learn how to double check an OSHA safety checklist and can ensure that the lights, the steering, the horn, the forks and the brakes, along with other parts are functioning at an optimal level.
The driver of the lift truck should also be able to correctly maintain the forklift and need to know when something is not working correctly. An essential part of forklift truck training is also being able to explain to mechanics about machinery problems.