Forklift Certification -- What Is It All About?
In the United States, since the year 1999, all employees who operate any sort of industrial truck must now be certified by their employer before they begin driving such a vehicle at their place of employment. This federal regulation, of course, also applies to those who will be operating forklifts, and while there is no unified "curriculum" that every employer must use, forklift certification is still a requirement. If you are trying to prepare, it might be helpful for you to understand the general areas that are typically covered by most forklift certification programs. One thing you will certainly have to become familiar with are all of the manufacturers operating and safety instructions for the specific forklift models that you will be asked to operate. Your employer can provide you with these manufacturer operating and safety manuals -- in some cases you may be able to contact the manufacturer directly to secure a personal copy. Another important aspect of any good-quality forklift certification program is that they will train you to understand the difference between a forklift and an automobile. For example, one important difference is that when you turn the steering wheel of an automobile, the front tires will move -- but on a forklift the steering wheel controls the back tires instead. In addition, most forklift certification programs will test your knowledge of the various controls and instruments that are found in the forklift drivers compartment -- instruments and that may not be found in a typical automobile, such as a battery power level indicator for electric-powered forklifts. Most forklift certification programs will also test your knowledge about your forklift motor or engine. For example, what is the maximum speed at which the forklift can be operated safely? If your forklift is powered by fuel, what types of fuel can be used? If your forklift has an electric motor, you can be sure that your forklift certification exam will ask you how long you can operate your forklift in-between battery recharging -- and how long it might take to recharge your battery. Forklifts must be maneuvered in a safe manner. This means that a forklift certification program will test your knowledge of how to properly steer and maneuver your forklift -- for example, how should you operate your forklift when you are transporting a very heavy load? What is the minimum turning radius? What about operating your forklift on slippery surfaces? As well, your forklift certification program will try to gauge your understanding of whether you know how to properly attach the forks, and adjust them for different types of loads. If you want to successfully pass your forklift certification test you will have to understand the proper way to place your load and secure it so that it does not move around during transport. Do you know your forklift's rated maximum capacity? Do you know how to keep your forklift from tipping over when you are carrying a heavy load high above the ground? These areas will almost certainly be touched on by any forklift certification exam. How often should you your forklift be inspected? What is the proper -- safe -- way to charge your forklift motor batteries? What kind of routine maintenance should be performed on your forklift? If you don't know about these things, you certainly cannot count on passing your forklift certification examination! Finally, you will most likely be asked to actually demonstrate your skill in operating the forklift -- such as loading and unloading pallets, drums, and loose loads. Your forklift certification will also test your knowledge of how to operate your forklift on an inclined surface, up or down a hill or a ramp. As you can see, a forklift certification program is not just about classroom learning -- you will need to demonstrate your proficiency by actually operating your forklift as well. |
