Skills of a Stand Up Forklift Operator
The forklift or powered industrial truck is a heavy duty machine found in practically every factory and warehouse. These tough and reliable equipment can lift and move heavy items that are not able to raise by hand. There is some particular training complete in order to be able to use a forklift safely. Most employers prefer a degree in high school. As the forklift is a heavy piece of machine it could be dangerous if not handled correctly, therefore, the operator's skills are very necessary.
Good Judgment
The forklift driver 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 so as to ensure that it would fit in a designed area. It is important to have proper judgement to be able to move the lift truck around obstacles and negotiate tight turns in order to be able to competently drive the machinery in reverse.
Reflexes and Concentration
Required forklift operator skills consist of excellent hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes. Like for example, if a stack of things in a pallet or load 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 accidents, a high level of concentration is necessary when operating and working near these machinery.
Adaptability
Among the top skills of a forklift operator is that they have to be adaptable to the work environment. This could be continually changing depending on the task. Several forklift jobs require drivers to be exposed to harmful materials, dangerous machines, fumes, odors or loud noises. Warehouses and work atmosphere can be really busy places. The lift truck operator must be able to keep a cool head and an eye toward safety overall. Additionally, a lot of forklift tasks require being outdoors to transport things or unload goods; therefore, the operator should be prepared at the likelihood of working in poor weather.
Equipment Maintenance
Forklift drivers need to understand how heavy mobile machine works and need to be able and willing to follow directions. Operators must learn how to double check an OSHA safety checklist and be able to make certain that the horn, the lights, the steering, the forks and the brakes, along with other components are working at an optimal level.
Forklift truck drivers need to also understand how to properly maintain the vehicles and need to know when something is not working properly. An essential part of lift truck truck training is also being able to explain equipment problems to mechanics.