Counterbalance Forklift Training Courses
Based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anyone who operates a counterbalanced forklift is required to receive training. Training for these kinds of industrial vehicles comprises both classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is required occasionally to keep operator skills up to date. OSHA does not specify a required minimum time for either the hands-on or classroom training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced forklift balances its load using a counterbalance built into the truck. The tines move down and up parallel to the truck's body. The tines do not rotate. Drivers who utilize counterbalanced forklifts should have training on the particular lift trucks they will be operating and in the same workplace setting.
Classroom Training Programs
In classroom training, the forklift operator would be taught about the model he or she will be operating. Information includes specifications like load, height and weight capacity. The operator would be taught the basics of fueling or charging the lift truck, that depends on whether the engine is gas-powered or battery-powered. Safety measures regarding the specific forklift, like for example how to walk safely around the lift truck, will be included.
Supervised Driving
Driver training would be supervised to make certain that the driver will know how to correctly use the counterbalance forklift. This practical training program will take place in the same type of environment wherein the operator would be working. The operator will train with the same types of surrounding buildings and other structures on the same kind of terrain, as well as similar vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Refresher Training Courses
Counterbalance lift truck drivers are required by OSHA to take a regular refresher training program. Nevertheless, there are no specifications as to the frequency at which an operator needs this training. However, for regular drivers, refresher training must incorporate classroom-style training.