Counterbalance Forklift Training
Based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anyone who uses a counterbalanced lift truck is required to receive training. Training for these types of industrial machines comprises both classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is required periodically to keep driver skills up to date. OSHA does not indicate a minimum time requirement for either the hands-on or classroom training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced lift truck balances its load utilizing a counterbalance built into the truck. The forks move down and up parallel to the body of the truck. The tines do not pivot. Operators driving counterbalanced lift trucks must receive training about the specific lift trucks they will be operating and in a similar workplace surroundings.
Classroom Training Courses
The lift truck operator would learn the basics of the model of forklift they would be using in classroom training. They would learn info regarding the lift trucks specific things like height, weight and load capacity. The driver will be taught the basics of charging or fueling the lift truck, that depends on whether the engine is gas-powered or battery-powered. Safety procedures regarding the particular lift truck, like for instance how to walk safely around the lift truck, will be covered.
Supervised Driving
Driver training would be supervised to ensure that the driver would know how to properly operate the counterbalance lift truck. This practical training course would happen in the same type of environment wherein the driver will be working. The driver will train on the same type of terrain with the same types of surrounding buildings and other structures, as well as the same pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training
Though OSHA requires regular refresher training for counterbalanced forklift operators, there are no specifications which determine the frequency of refresher training or its contents. However, for regular drivers, refresher training must include classroom-style training.