When you work with several kinds of construction equipment, there's always a risk of injury if proper safety procedures are not adhered to. That is why it's important to go through the right amount of training before engaging with such kind of equipment.
Licences determine who is qualified to carry out a high-risk job. Before acquiring a forklift license, you must go through a forklift driving test. The test will determine your competency in operating heavy machinery and manoeuvring the loads that will be used by the forklift operators on site.
In order to successfully pass the test, it will be helpful to become familiar with the testing procedures involved and the information that you need to prepare for in advance. Here are some of the things to expect during the forklift driving test.
1. Forklift Operation
To begin with, you have to show that you can operate a forklift safely. The process involves driving your forklift through a course, and the courses may be different for different testing sites. During the test, your instructor (also referred to as the accessor) will check to ensure that you:
- Select the correct controls
- Position the forklift to pick up the load correctly
- Position the tires and forks correctly before raising the load
2. Common Mistakes
To avoid failing the test, you must ensure that the mast is not tilted forward while raising the load. This will disturb the balance and counterbalance weight of the forklift and lead to accidents and injuries. In addition, do not travel with the load until it is lowered to a safe height, and the load should be sitting on the backrest/tilted backwards at all times when moving.
Next, you should check over both shoulders before reversing, and be aware to always travel at a safe speed. While driving, always look in the direction that you are travelling so that you do not hit or knock anything in the course. Be sure to keep all parts of your body in the forklift while driving.
3. Handling the Load
The accessor will test your proficiency with lowering and stacking the load. Make sure that you place the load in the right position and that it is even before removing the forks. The accessor will also ensure that you withdraw the forks cleanly without disturbing the load. Offloading is primarily where your use of the forklift brakes is properly tested.
4. Parking
Finally, you will park, shut down, and secure the forklift. You will be instructed to lower the forks to the ground, to apply the parking brake, and to put the forklift in mutual gear.
Remember to remove the key so that no unauthorized person can use the forklift. If the forklift us gassed, turn off the gas cylinder valve.
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