Counterbalance Forklift Training Courses
Anybody who uses a counterbalanced forklift is required to receive training, according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies. Training covers a combination of classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is needed periodically in order to keep operator skills up to date. OSHA does not indicate a minimum time requirement for either the hands-on or classroom training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced lift truck balances its cargo using a counterbalance built into the truck. The forks move down and up parallel to the truck's body. The blades do not pivot. Operators who use counterbalanced forklifts should have training on the specific trucks they will be utilizing and in a similar workplace surroundings.
Classroom Training Programs
In classroom training, the forklift driver would learn about the model she or he will be operating. Information consists of specifications such as height, weight and load capacity. The operator would learn the basics of fueling or charging the forklift, which depends on whether the engine is gas-powered or battery-powered. Safety information regarding the specific forklift, like how to walk safely around the lift truck, will be included.
Supervised Driving
Driver training would be supervised to make certain that the operator would know how to properly use the counterbalance lift. This practical training would take place in the same type of environment in which the driver would be working. The operator will train with the same types of nearby buildings and other structures on the same kind of terrain, as well as the same vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Refresher Training Courses
Although OSHA requires regular refresher training for counterbalanced forklift operators, there are no specifications that determine the frequency of refresher training or its contents. Then again, for regular drivers, refresher training must include classroom-style training.