Counterbalance Forklift Training Courses
Based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anybody who uses a counterbalanced forklift must have training. Training for these kinds of industrial vehicles consists of both hands-on driver training and classroom training. Refresher training is necessary periodically 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 load using a counterbalance built into the truck. The forks move down and up parallel to the body of the truck. The blades do not pivot. Operators who drive counterbalanced forklifts should receive training about the particular lift trucks they will be operating and in the same workplace setting.
Classroom Training Courses
The forklift operator would learn the basics of the model of forklift they would be utilizing in classroom training. They would learn info about the forklifts particular things like height, weight and load capacity. The operator will be taught the basics of fueling or charging the forklift, depending on whether the engine is battery-powered or gas-powered. Safety information regarding the specific lift truck, such as how to safely walk around the lift truck, would be included.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training would ensure the lift truck driver knows how to use the counterbalanced forklift. This practical training would happen in the same type of environment in which the driver would be working. The driver will train with the same kinds of surrounding buildings and other structures on the same type of terrain, as well as similar vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Refresher Training
Though OSHA requires periodic refresher training for counterbalanced lift truck operators, there are no specifications that determine the frequency of refresher training or its contents. However, for regular drivers, refresher training programs must include classroom-style training.