Counterbalance Forklift Training
Based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anyone who utilizes a counterbalanced lift truck must receive training. Training for these kinds of industrial equipment includes both classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is necessary occasionally to keep driver skills up to date. OSHA does not specify a required minimum time for either the hands-on or classroom training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalance lift truck is able to balance its load because of a counterbalance built into the truck. Blades could move up and down parallel to the truck's body. The forks do not pivot. Operators who drive counterbalanced lift trucks must have training on the particular forklifts they would be utilizing and in a similar workplace environment.
Classroom Training Courses
The forklift driver will be taught the basics of the model of lift truck they will be utilizing in classroom training. They will learn info regarding the forklifts specific things like load, height and weight capacity. The driver would learn the basics of fueling or charging the forklift, which depends on whether the engine is gas-powered or battery-powered. Safety information pertaining to the particular lift truck, like how to safely walk around the lift truck, will be included.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training would ensure the lift truck driver knows how to drive the counterbalanced forklift. This practical training will take place in the same kind of environment wherein the operator will be working. The driver would train on the same type of terrain with the same kinds of nearby buildings and other structures, as well as the same 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. Then again, for regular operators, refresher training courses needs to comprise classroom-style training.