Duties of a Forklift Operator
The job of a forklift operator is to be able to transport materials from one place to another, normally within factories and warehouses. Operators require particular training, that is commonly provided by the workplace. Prospective operators must pass both a background check and a drug test.
Daily Inspections
Carrying out functionality and safety checks on a daily basis is part of the various responsibilities of a forklift driver. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration mandates that all forklifts be checked prior to use. The operator should inspect the forklift once more after the shift. Yearly safety training is truly a very important part of the job description of a forklift driver.
Unloading and Loading
To be able to load and unload materials and to stack products in a timely and efficient manner, forklift drivers make use of the controls on the forklift.
Weighing Materials
A forklift operator's tasks comprise weighing the materials they are moving, and logging the weights.
Quality Control
Quality control is one more essential part of the forklift driver's task. This includes making certain that orders are correct and making sure the materials do not sustain damage during the moving process.
Battery Maintenance and Care
To be able to make certain that the unit has a long life span, correct forklift battery maintenance is vital. Care and maintenance procedures include inspecting the water level inside the battery roughly every five charge cycles, filling the cell to just over the visible protector, being careful not to overflow the water, and cleaning up any spills. Once a battery is charging, never disrupt the cycle.
PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
When performing works on the forklift battery, like inspecting the level of water, Personal Protective Equipment or PPE is required. Both hand protection and eye protection must be worn, and a fire extinguisher and acid spill kit should be available. Forklift drivers must always observe safety rules. The charging area should be kept clear of open fire and ventilated.