Counterbalance Forklift Training
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, 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 required occasionally to keep operator skills up to date. OSHA does not indicate a minimum time requirement for either the classroom or hands-on training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced lift truck balances its load utilizing a counterbalance built into the truck. The blades move up and down parallel to the truck's body. The blades do not pivot. Operators who drive counterbalanced forklifts should have training on the specific trucks they would be operating and in the same workplace surroundings.
Classroom Training Programs
In classroom training, the lift truck driver would learn about the model he or she would be using. Information comprises specifications like height, weight and load capacity. The driver will learn the basics of charging or fueling the forklift, that depends on whether the engine is battery-powered or gas-powered. Safety measures regarding the specific lift truck, such as how to walk safely around the forklift, would be covered.
Supervised Driving
Driver training would be supervised to ensure that the operator would know how to properly operate the counterbalance forklift. This practical training would happen in the same type of environment in which the operator will be working. The driver will train on the same kind of terrain with the same sorts of surrounding buildings and other structures, as well as the same vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Refresher Training Courses
Counterbalance lift truck operators are required by OSHA to take a regular refresher training course. Nevertheless, there are no specifications as to the frequency at which an operator requires this training. However, for regular operators, refresher training has to incorporate classroom-style training.