Forklifts are essential to a warehouse, assembly line, or industrial production facility. They’re used to moving products from one place to another quickly. For instance: if you’re inventorying your store and need something from the back room quickly but don’t want to go out of your way (and risk missing something important), you can use a forklift!
Forklift training is necessary for employees at warehouses and factories who need to learn how to operate a forklift safely and efficiently. One can Find Forklift training here or at similar academics specializing in certification.
But what are some things you should know about this training program? Read on to find out in this article.
Why is the training necessary?
Forklift training makes you a highly-skilled worker qualified for employment in several industries. The forklift driver is responsible for loading or unloading materials by moving them between locations where they will be stored or processed. They also move heavy objects up stairs and ramps that may be too high for other vehicles or people.
Operating these heavy machines requires expertise and training. Without proper training, the operator will be putting themselves and others at the workplace at risk of injury. Most of all, you cannot operate a truck without certification because the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1970 allows only trained and authorized operators to handle these trucks.
What does the training include?
Many forklift certifications require an exam that includes problems such as getting the right angle of the boom to load something onto a truck. These exams aim to test your skills and knowledge, not just memorize facts.
Folks can get certified by taking one or more exams from various testing agencies and passing them with high scores. After passing the tests successfully, they can work at companies with forklifts on their premises or in industries requiring them, such as construction sites or warehouses.
Duration and process of the training
People can complete the training program within an hour. The steps involved are preparation, taking the test online, and printing their certificate. As part of the preparation, they will read the OSHA rules and regulations and watch a video explaining the course.
Fellows can also take the test unlimited times after paying for one certification package until they pass the test. Once they complete the training successfully, the company will award them a certificate, which they can print from their computer. However, it might take three to four days to receive the certificate at one’s address.
How long is the license valid?
After completing their training, the forklift license folks get from the agency is valid for three years from the issuance date. The certifications expire three years from the last evaluation date. That means that your employer will re-evaluate your driving skill every three years.
If you meet with an accident or near-missing accident while driving the forklift, you will have to opt for a refresher course, according to the rules set by OSHA in 1970. Agencies that provide this certification have a renewal program in which you can renew your license and retake the training. The duration for renewing your license is considerably shorter because of your prior experience with operating a forklift.
Which equipment can you operate?
After getting your license, you can operate various types of trucks, including high-lift, counterbalanced, low-lift, motorized hand, narrow aisle rider, straddle and reach the rider.
The certification will qualify you to operate seven classes of trucks, divided between Class 1 to Class V11, including electric motor trucks, electric motor narrow aisle trucks, internal combustion engine trucks, and rough terrain forklift trucks.
Conclusion
You should consider getting a forklift license and certification if you want to operate these machines or renew your permit if you already have one. A license also increases your chances of getting a job or looking for better opportunities.