4 Safety Measures That Order Picker Operators are Taught
Some people may think that they don't need to undergo any training in order to operate an order picker in a busy warehouse. Such individuals risk being involved in several accidents because they may not be aware of the specific safety measures that skilled operators were taught. This article discusses some of those crucial safety measures that are emphasised during order picker training.
Interpretation of Load Capacity Plates
Order pickers usually have a primary and a secondary platform onto which loads can be placed when the order picker is being used. People undergoing order picker training are usually taught how to interpret the load capacity plates stipulating how the capacity of the order picker is affected when the additional platform has been removed or is in place. This safety measure is very important because the secondary platform reduces the safe loads that the order picker can carry. Inexperienced operators can overload the order picker if they aren't aware that it can't lift its maximum design load when the additional platform is in place.
How to Turn
Trainees are also taught the steps that they should take when they would like the order picker to take a turn while one is using it. Trainees are told how dangerous it is to take a turn when the operator's station hasn't been lowered. Turning when the operator's station is raised is very risky because the order picker may be more unstable due to a raised center of gravity. Untrained operators risk being involved in accidents because they may take turns without lowering the operator's station.
Proper Load Placement
People undergoing order picker training are also likely to be safer operators because they are taught the best way to place loads on the pallet in order to ensure that the lift truck stays stable during its operation. Those that haven't undergone this training may have no qualms about carrying a load that exceeds the dimensions of the platform. Such a load can cause the lift truck to tip over because its stability will have been jeopardised by incorrect load placement.
Guardrail Integrity
Order picker operators are also taught how to check the guardrails and side rails to ensure that they are free from any defects that may compromise their effectiveness. The trainees also learn how to keep loads away from those guard devices. These measures ensure that the operator will be able to raise or lower the rails when the need arises. Untrained operators risk being involved in accidents because they are likely to be unaware of the safe use of the guardrails or side rails on lift trucks. Your safety and the lives of others within the work environment will depend on how well you were trained to operate an order picker. You should therefore find a reputable institution that offers order picker training so that you get the best preparation for your career as a lift truck operator.
For more information, contact companies like Australia Wide Forklift Training Centre.
