The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires operators and technicians to undergo forklift training before they can drive a forklift. And any individual who is handling these kinds of machines must be certified according to the type of forklift they are going to drive.
When it comes to forklifts, there are some things that you need to know about before you can safely operate one. And we’ll talk more about this topic in today’s post about what you need to know about Toyota Forklift Training.
What Are The Facts You Have To Remember About Forklift Training?
Lift trucks are essential to keep the supply chain going, especially in the retail and construction industries. Which is why forklift operational safety training is also required so whoever will drive these vehicles will observe proper protocols to prevent accidents and injuries from happening.
With that being said, here are the facts to remember about forklift training, particularly in the proper handling of Toyota forklifts:
- Only a certified operator is allowed to drive a forklift regardless of the type of industry this machine is being used. If the employee is not yet certified, the company is required to let the operator undergo forklift training first before using the vehicle on-site.
- Entering and getting out of the forklift has to be done with extreme care. So the operator should make sure that both his hands and foot are always in contact with the machine at all times. This is called the 3-point stance.
Also, the operator should have clean hands and shoes to decrease the possibility of slipping.
- Never treat a forklift as a conventional car because even though it looks kind of similar to a car, it actually weighs heavier than a truck! Also, the steering process is different since the steering wheel is located on the back of the lift. Hence, the operator should always remember the differences between these vehicles so he’ll e able to drive the forklift safely and effectively.
- The forklift’s center of gravity changes depending if it’s loaded or unloaded with cargo or freight.
- Data indicates that any change in the load capacity must the accurately indicated on the data plate. Likewise, the forklift operator should be mindful of the limitations set by the data plate list which include designated areas, lifting capacities, battery size, etc.
- The employer should appoint someone to enforce safety practices and rules within the workplace. And they should not hesitate to correct the operator’s unsafe behavior.
- The operator should always check on the instruction manual in situations when the machine is used to operate on ramps.
- Pedestrians on-site are also part of forklift operational safety. So they must adhere to the safety practices within the workplace and must maintain eye contact with the forklift operator whenever they are beside the machine.
- Forklift operators must perform inspections to ensure the vehicle is in working condition before use. And if the lift is malfunctioning, it should be repaired immediately to have it ready for next use.
- The Toyota training for forklift operation will teach trainees about the OSHA laws about forklift operation and use, pre-operational inspection procedure, refueling process, industrial battery care, conducting daily maintenance checks, and safety driving fundamentals. And the trainees will undergo a driver evaluation at the end of the course.
If you’re planning to rent or buy Toyota Forklifts, you can contact Watts Equipment in CA today.