22206

NCCER Rough Terrain Forklifts (Module 22206)

This is a training module from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Heavy Equipment Operations curriculum (Level 3). It focuses on safe and effective operation of rough-terrain forklifts (also known as Class 7 forklifts under OSHA classification) commonly used on construction sites.

Duration: 25 hours (includes classroom instruction, hands-on practice, knowledge assessment, and performance verification)

Course Description: The module covers the applications of rough-terrain forklifts on construction sites, including lifting, transporting, and placing various loads on uneven or outdoor terrain. It emphasizes safety practices, operational techniques, load handling, and basic maintenance procedures.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of the module, trainees will be able to:

• Identify and describe rough-terrain forklift chassis components, controls, instrumentation, and common attachments.
• Perform pre-start inspections, basic maintenance, startup, warm-up, and shutdown procedures.
• Interpret forklift load capacity charts to determine safe lifting limits based on load weight, center of gravity, and boom extension.
• Safely perform basic lifting, transporting, and placing operations with various types of loads.
• Recognize and mitigate hazards, apply OSHA-compliant safety practices, and operate the forklift stably on rough terrain.

Trainees must pass a written knowledge exam and demonstrate performance tasks to an NCCER-certified evaluator to earn the credential.

Course Outline

The module is structured around key topics, typically delivered through a combination of classroom theory, demonstrations, and practical exercises:

1. Introduction to Rough-Terrain Forklifts
   • Overview of forklift types, classifications, and specific uses on construction sites.
   • Differences from warehouse forklifts (e.g., pneumatic tires, 4WD, telescopic boom).
2. Safety Practices and Regulations
   • Common accidents and causes (e.g., tip-overs, pedestrian strikes).
   • OSHA standards (29 CFR 1926.602) and site-specific hazards.
   • Personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe operating principles.
3. Forklift Components, Controls, and Instrumentation
   • Chassis, mast, forks, hydraulics, steering modes (2-wheel, 4-wheel, crab).
   • Attachments (e.g., buckets, jibs) and their applications.
4. Pre-Operation Inspection and Maintenance
   • Daily visual and operational checks (tires, fluids, leaks, brakes).
   • Basic preventive maintenance and reporting defects.
5. Stability, Load Handling, and Capacity Charts
   • Principles of stability (stability triangle, center of gravity).
   • Reading and interpreting load charts for safe capacities.
   • Factors affecting stability (terrain, load position, speed).
6. Operating Techniques
   • Startup, shutdown, and safe travel on rough terrain.
   • Lifting, lowering, traveling with loads, and placing materials.
   • Maneuvering in confined or uneven areas.
7. Advanced Operations and Hazards
   • Handling special loads, refueling/recharging, and shutdown procedures.
   • Weather impacts, ramps, and elevated work.
8. Practical Training and Performance Verification
   • Hands-on operation under supervision.
   • Performance tasks: Inspection, load chart interpretation, safe load handling.

This training prepares operators for real-world construction environments and aligns with industry standards for certification. Completion contributes to NCCER credentials in Heavy Equipment Operations.