Counterbalance Forklift Training
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, anybody who uses a counterbalanced lift truck is required to receive training. Training for these types of industrial machinery comprises both hands-on driver training and classroom training. Refresher training is needed occasionally in order 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 can balance its load because of a counterbalance built into the truck. Tines can move down and up parallel to the truck's body. The blades do not pivot. Operators who drive counterbalanced forklifts must receive training on the specific forklifts they would be using and in a similar workplace surroundings.
Classroom Training
The forklift operator will be taught the basics of the model of forklift they would be using in classroom training. They will learn info regarding the forklifts specific things like load, height and weight capacity. The driver will learn the basics of charging or fueling the lift truck, depending on whether the engine is battery-powered or gas-powered. Safety information pertaining to the particular truck, such as how to walk safely around the forklift, will be covered.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training would make sure that the forklift operator knows how to utilize the counterbalanced forklift. This practical training program will occur in the same type of setting wherein the operator will be working. The driver would train on the same kind of terrain with the same kinds of nearby buildings and other structures, as well as similar pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training
Though OSHA requires periodic refresher training for counterbalanced lift truck drivers, there are no specifications determining the frequency of refresher training or its contents. However, for regular operators, refresher training must include classroom-style training.