Counterbalance Forklift Training Courses
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anybody who operates a counterbalanced forklift is required to receive training. Training for these kinds of industrial equipment consists of both hands-on driver training and classroom training. Refresher training is required occasionally to keep operator skills up to date. OSHA does not specify a required minimum time for either the hands-on or classroom training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced forklift balances its load using a counterbalance built into the truck. The forks move up and down parallel to the body of the truck. The blades do not pivot. Operators driving counterbalanced forklifts should receive training about the specific forklifts they would be operating and in the same workplace setting.
Classroom Training Programs
The lift truck driver will learn the basics of the model of lift truck they would be utilizing in classroom training. They will learn info about the forklifts particular things such as load, height and weight capacity. The driver would be taught the basics of fueling or charging the lift truck, depending on whether it is a gas-powered or battery-powered engine. Safety measures pertaining to the specific lift truck, like for instance how to safely walk around the lift truck, will be included.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training would make sure that the lift truck driver knows how to utilize the counterbalanced forklift. This practical training program will take place in the same type of environment wherein the driver would 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 similar vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Refresher Training Programs
Counterbalance forklift operators are required by OSHA to take a regular refresher training course. However, there are no specifications as to the frequency at which a driver requires this training. Then again, for regular operators, refresher training courses must include classroom-style training.