Skills of a Stand Up Forklift Operator
A forklift or a powered industrial truck is a piece of heavy machinery found in factories and in warehouses. They are used to transport and move bulk things which are too heavy to carry or lift by hand. There is some particular training complete in order to be able to operate a forklift safely. Most employers prefer a high school degree. Because the forklift is a heavy piece of machinery it could be dangerous if not correctly handled, thus, the driver's skills are extremely necessary.
Good Judgment
The forklift driver has to have good judgment in order to estimate how much a load weighs. They need to be able to judge the width and height of the cargo in order to ensure that it will fit in a designed area. It is essential to have good judgement in order to negotiate tight turns and move the forklift around obstacles in order to be able to capably drive the equipment in reverse.
Concentration and Reflexes
Necessary forklift operator skills consist of excellent hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes. Like for example, if a stack of objects in a load or a pallet is off balance and about to fall, the operator should be able to respond quickly and try to fix the problem. In order to avoid mishaps, a high level of concentration is needed when utilizing and working in the vicinity of these machinery.
Adaptability
Depending on the task, one of the top skills of a forklift operator is to be able to adapt to their specific work setting. Depending upon every job, this may change on a continuous basis. Some forklift tasks require operators to be exposed to damaging materials, dangerous machinery, loud noises, fumes or odors. Warehouses and work atmosphere could be busy places. The lift truck operator should be able to keep an eye toward safety and a cool head in general. Additionally, many forklift jobs require being outdoors to unload goods or move items; therefore, the operator must be ready at the likelihood of working in bad climate.
Machine Maintenance
Drivers 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 could ensure that the horn, the lights, the steering, the forks and the brakes, along with other parts are working at an optimal level.
The driver of the forklift must also be able to properly maintain the forklift and have to know when something is not functioning properly. An important part of forklift truck training is also being able to explain machinery issues to mechanics.