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 machinery could lift and transport heavy items that are not able to lift manually. There is some particular training complete in order to be able to safely utilize a forklift. Nearly all employers prefer a high school degree. As the forklift is a heavy piece of equipment it can be dangerous if not handled properly, therefore, the driver's skills are extremely important.
Good Judgment
To be able to estimate how much a load weighs, the forklift driver needs to have good judgement, able to judge both the height and weight of the cargo. Knowing the particulars will help to ensure that the load and forklift would fit it designed area. It is very 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 machine in reverse.
Reflexes and Concentration
Operator skills which come in handy are quick reflexes and good hand-eye coordination. For instance, if a stack of things in a load or a pallet is off balance and about to fall, the driver has to be able to respond quickly and try to rectify the problem. To be able to avoid accidents, a high level of concentration is required when utilizing and working in the vicinity of these machines.
Adaptability
Amongst the top skills of a lift truck driver is that they have to be adaptable to the work setting. This can be continually changing depending on the job. Several forklift tasks need drivers to be exposed to dangerous equipment, damaging materials, loud noises, fumes or odors. Work atmospheres and warehouses can be really busy places. The lift truck operator should be able to keep a cool head and an eye toward safety in general. Moreover, many forklift jobs require being outdoors to move items or unload supplies; therefore, the operator must be ready at the likelihood of working in poor weather.
Equipment Maintenance
Operators must be able to follow instructions and understand how heavy machinery works. Drivers must learn how to double check an Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety checklist and be able to ensure that the horn, the lights, the steering, the brakes and the forks, along with other parts are functioning at an optimal level.
The operator of the forklift should also be able to correctly maintain the lift truck and have to know when something is not working properly. An essential part of forklift truck training is also being able to explain equipment problems to mechanics.