A Guide To Forklift Operator Training
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “how does a forklift work?” you need to find yourself a guide to forklift operator training! No one is born with forklift operating skills; instructions on how to drive a forklift come in handy!
If driving a forklift is not just for personal use (and you’re planning on operating a forklift at your place of employment) your employer must train you! They may already have the proper guide to forklift operator training that is approved by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). If they do not, however, they can easily access a guide to forklift operator training on OSHA’s website.
OSHA’s guide to forklift operator training has three main parts. These parts include:
• Formal Training
• Practical Lessons
• Evaluation
Formal Training
The formal training section includes classroom style learning. This class will include some videos and instructions manuals along with a teacher like setting that will inform you about proper forklift operation and some safety guidelines.
Practical Lessons
Practical lessons will be the first hands on portion of the safety training. Trainees get to operate a forklift and get familiar with settings etc (under supervisors permission).
Evaluation
The evaluation process is just as it sounds- you will be graded and evaluated. What are you graded on? You do not get a written test; instead you will perform regular tasks with a forklift while a supervisor critiques whether or not you are operating the machine properly and using the proper safety precautions while doing so.
Once certified you must be evaluated once every three years. The reasoning behind this is to ensure that all forklift operators continue to follow the safety guidelines furnished by OSHA.
A Guide to Forklift Operating Made Easy
• Read the operators manual. This will help you become familiar with different controls and buttons.
• Be conscientious of what you are lifting. By being aware of the size or shape of the load so you can set the fork to the proper width.
• Be aware of your working environment. Obstacles can cause safety hazards!
• When starting the forklift- use the key and start button. Go through the basic steps using the buttons and levers!
• To be on the safer side- when first learning how to drive a forklift use it in an open area. This allows some space for error!
• Be aware of your blind spots! Accidents occur quite frequently because people are not aware of incoming obstacles or people. Get familiar with the forklift before hopping in and taking off!
• Drive slow! A forklift is not meant to be speedy, it’s for lifting things!
• Be sure to park the forklift on the ground when finished!
A guide to forklift operator training is the best way to become informed about the hows and whys of forklift operating! There are many sources on the internet (aside from simply completing your OSHA certification) that can help you to arm yourself with the right information to keep yourself and others safe!
