Skills of a Stand Up Forklift Operator
A forklift or a powered industrial truck is a piece of heavy machine found in warehouses and in factories. They are utilized to transport and move bulk items that are very heavy to lift or carry by hand. There is some specific training complete so as to be able to operate a forklift safely. Nearly all employers prefer a high school degree. Because the forklift is a heavy piece of machine it could be dangerous if not handled properly, thus, the driver's skills are very necessary.
Good Judgment
In order to estimate the weight of a load, the forklift driver needs to have good judgement, able to judge both the weight and height of the load. Knowing the particulars will help to guarantee that both the load and forklift would fit it designed area. It is essential to have proper judgement to be able to move the forklift around obstacles and negotiate tight turns in order to be able to capably drive the equipment in reverse.
Reflexes and Concentration
Driver skills that come in handy are quick reflexes and good hand-eye coordination. Like for example, if a stack of items in a load or a pallet is off balance and about to fall, the operator has to be able to respond quickly and try to fix the problem. In order to avoid mishaps, a high level of concentration is required when using and working in the vicinity of these machinery.
Adaptability
One of the top skills of a lift truck operator is that they need to be adaptable to the work environment. This could be continually changing depending on the task. Some forklift jobs need drivers to be exposed to harmful materials, dangerous machinery, fumes, odors or loud noises. Work atmospheres 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. In addition, many forklift jobs require being outdoors to move items or unload goods; hence, the operator must be prepared at the possibility of working in bad weather.
Machinery Maintenance
Operators should be able to follow instructions and understand how heavy machinery works. Operators have to learn how to double check an Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety checklist and could make certain that the lights, the steering, the horn, the forks and the brakes, along with other parts are functioning at an optimal level.
The operator of the lift truck must also be able to properly maintain the lift truck and need to know when something is not functioning properly. An essential part of lift truck truck training is also being able to explain equipment problems to mechanics.