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