Counterbalance Forklift Training
Based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anyone who utilizes a counterbalanced lift truck is required to receive training. Training for these types of industrial equipment consists of both hands-on driver training and classroom training. Refresher training is necessary occasionally to keep operator skills up to date. OSHA does not indicate a required minimum time for either the hands-on or classroom training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced forklift balances its load utilizing a counterbalance built into the truck. The forks move up and down parallel to the body of the truck. The tines do not rotate. Operators who drive counterbalanced lift trucks must have training on the specific forklifts they would be driving and in the same workplace surroundings.
Classroom Training
The forklift operator will be taught the basics of the model of forklift they will be using in classroom training. They will learn info regarding the forklifts particular things such as weight, load and height capacity. The operator will be taught the basics of charging or fueling the forklift, that depends on whether it is a battery-powered or gas-powered engine. Safety information regarding the particular truck, like how to safely walk around the lift truck, will be covered.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training will make sure that the forklift driver knows how to utilize the counterbalanced forklift. This practical training would take place in the same type of environment wherein the driver would be working. The driver would train with the same kinds of nearby buildings and other structures on the same kind of terrain, as well as the same vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Refresher Training Programs
Counterbalance lift truck operators are required by OSHA to take a regular refresher training program. Nonetheless, there are no specifications as to the frequency at which a driver requires this training. Then again, for regular drivers, refresher training must incorporate classroom-style training.