Skills of a Stand Up Forklift Operator
The forklift or powered industrial truck is a heavy duty machinery found in almost every warehouse and factory. These reliable and tough machines can raise and move heavy items that are not able to lift manually. There is some specific training complete in order to be able to operate a forklift safely. Most employers prefer a degree in high school. Because the forklift is a heavy piece of equipment it could be dangerous if not handled properly, hence, the skills of the driver are very important.
Good Judgment
To be able to estimate how much a load weighs, the forklift operator needs to have good judgement, able to judge both the weight and height of the cargo. Knowing the particulars will help to guarantee that both the load and forklift would fit it 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 machine in reverse.
Concentration and Reflexes
Necessary lift truck operator skills include quick reflexes and excellent hand-eye coordination. Like for instance, if a stack of objects in a pallet or load is off balance and about to fall, the driver should be able to respond quickly and try to fix the issue. In order to prevent accidents, a high level of concentration is necessary when operating and working near these machines.
Adaptability
Depending upon the task, one of the top skills of a forklift driver is to be able to adapt to their specific work environment. Depending upon every task, this may change on a continuous basis. Some forklift jobs need drivers to be exposed to damaging materials, dangerous equipment, fumes, odors or loud noises. Work surroundings and warehouses could be really busy places. The driver of the forklift must be able to keep a cool head and an eye toward safety in general. Additionally, many forklift tasks require being outdoors to unload goods or move things; therefore, the driver should be prepared at the likelihood of working in poor weather.
Machine Maintenance
Operators should be able to follow directions and understand how heavy machine works. Operators need to learn how to double check an Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety checklist and be able to guarantee that the steering, the horn, the lights, the forks and the brakes, along with other parts are working at an optimal level.
Forklift truck operators have to also understand how to properly maintain the vehicles and have to know when something is not working properly. An important part of forklift truck training is also being able to explain machinery problems to mechanics.