A forklift is an industrial vehicle that is used in many factories and warehouses. These can move heavy objects to and from a short distance. However, operating a forklift requires special skills and if this is something you are interested in, you can enrol in a training course so that you understand all the safety controls.

There are many forklift training Melbourne schools and institutions. But how do you choose the one that suits you best? There are different classes of forklift trucks as well and these have different applications. So once you understand these classes, you can decide which training course you can take depending on which class truck you plan to operate. Some of the classes of forklift trucks include electric motor rider trucks, internal combustion engine trucks with cushion/pneumatic tyres, rough terrain forklift trucks, hand rider trucks etc. There should be basics for safe truck operation in the training programme. This should educate you about the different hazards that are possible in the workplace when using these forklifts. If you already have a workplace or planning to apply for a job, you can check which types of forklifts are used so that you can prepare yourself. There are also certain general safety requirements that you should learn.

Check what kind of certification has been completed by the trainers in the training centre. They should have the right qualifications to teach students and ensure that students are able to perform their roles within the workplace safely. You may be able to go through the topics of the training course on the official page of the training centre. There are a few important points that the course should cover. The operating instructions should be for the type of forklift vehicle you plan to use. There will be specific and general warnings that you have to heed. The course should teach you about how to maintain vehicle stability and the uses and limitations of attachments for the forklift. There are also certain inspections and maintenance tasks that you will need to perform as an operator. All of this should be discussed in the course. In addition, there should be topics covering steering, manoeuvring, capacity of the forklift, how visibility will be handled and how a forklift differs from an automobile.

You need to understand the limitations of operation in the course and it will also teach you how to refuel the vehicle. Then there are also topics that cover workplace related aspects. You should understand how to manipulate loads, stack and unstack, how to work with sloped surfaces etc. There are so many different situations that you should be prepared for such as how to manoeuvre the forklift in restricted or narrow spaces, closed spaces without much ventilation or how to work in hazardous locations. There will be a written test so that the institution can check whether you understand safety guidelines and knowledge related to the vehicle and its operation. Look for a programme that will assist you with job placement along with the certification. Courses should offer real world operational training so that you are better equipped to deal with any workplace environment.