In the distribution of goods industry, forklifts play a really important part. They are capable of efficiently moving product through the distribution process. However, they must be utilized carefully. Improper operation of forklifts could cause damage to products, injury to employees, and serious accidents causing death.
Safety
If you operate a forklift properly, it is quite safe. Tens of thousands of individuals are seriously injured in forklifts accidents every year. Dozens are killed in workplace accidents which involve forklifts. The tragedy is that the majority of these accidents are preventable with attention to safety and correct training.
Types of Equipment
Forklift operators should be trained on the specific kind of forklift they will be using on the job. A common kind utilized inside distribution centers and warehouses is the sit-down model. Other kinds of forklifts normally used in industry comprise operator up units, rough terrain units and narrow aisle trucks.
Operator Requirements
A forklift operator certification that covers both practical evaluations and classroom study is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA. The three-year certification is not transferable; if changing employers, operators must become recertified.
Load Capacities
1,800 kilograms to 2,200 kilograms is the load capacity of a conventional forklift. Higher load capacities up to and over 9,000 kilograms are available in some units. A forklift's load capacity would depend on the unit and its options and attachments.
History
Clark and Yale, the top companies in the global forklift business,were the first to develop forklifts. Ever since the forklift was developed during the 1920s, it has gone through lots of technological advances, particularly leading to the safe and efficient movement of product and improvements in operator safety.