Counterbalance Forklift Training
Based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anyone who utilizes a counterbalanced forklift should receive training. Training for these kinds of industrial vehicles consists of both classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is required occasionally to keep operator skills up to date. OSHA does not specify a required minimum time for either the classroom or hands-on training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced forklift balances its cargo using a counterbalance built into the truck. The blades move up and down parallel to the body of the truck. The blades do not rotate. Operators driving counterbalanced forklifts must receive training about the specific lift trucks they would be operating and in the same workplace environment.
Classroom Training Courses
In classroom training, the forklift driver would learn about the model she or he would be driving. Information comprises specifications like weight, load and height capacity. The operator would be taught the basics of fueling or charging the lift truck, which depends on whether the engine is gas-powered or battery-powered. Safety procedures pertaining to the specific lift truck, like for example how to walk safely around the lift truck, would be covered.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training will make certain that the forklift operator knows how to drive the counterbalanced forklift. This practical training would happen in the same kind of setting in which the driver would be working. The driver will train with the same sorts of surrounding buildings and other structures on the same kind of terrain, as well as the same pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training Programs
Although OSHA requires regular refresher training for counterbalanced lift truck operators, there are no specifications determining the frequency of refresher training or its contents. Then again, for regular operators, refresher training programs must consist of classroom-style training.