Within the distribution of goods industry, forklifts play a very vital part. They could efficiently transport product through the distribution process. Nonetheless, they must be used carefully. Improper operation of forklifts could result in injury to workers, damage to products, and serious accidents which could result in death.
Safety
If you use a forklift properly, it is rather safe. Tens of thousands of people are seriously injured in forklifts accidents on a yearly basis. Dozens are killed in workplace accidents which involve forklifts. The tragedy is that nearly all of these accidents are preventable with attention to safety and correct training.
Kinds of Machines
Forklift operators should be trained on the specific kind of forklift they will be utilizing on the job. A common kind used in distribution centers and warehouses is the sit-down model. Other types of forklifts commonly utilized within industry comprise narrow aisle trucks, operator up units and rough terrain units.
Operator Requirements
A forklift operator certification which includes 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
Standard forklifts have a load capacity of 1,800 kilograms to 2,200 kilograms. Higher load capacities up to and beyond 9,000 kilograms are available in some units. The load capacity of a forklift depends on the unit and its options and attachments.
History
Forklifts were initially developed by Clark and by Yale, top companies in the global forklift business. Ever since the forklift was developed in the 1920s, it has gone through various technological changes, mostly leading to enhancements in operator safety and the efficient and safe movement of product.