Counterbalance Forklift Training
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, anyone who uses a counterbalanced lift truck is required to have training. Training for these types of industrial machines includes both hands-on driver training and classroom training. Refresher training is needed occasionally 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
A counterbalanced forklift balances its cargo with a counterbalance built into the truck. The blades move up and down parallel to the body of the truck. The blades do not rotate. Drivers who use counterbalanced lift trucks should have training on the specific forklifts they will be driving and in a similar workplace surroundings.
Classroom Training
The forklift operator will learn the basics of the model of lift truck they will be utilizing in classroom training. They will learn info regarding the forklifts particular things like height, weight and load capacity. The operator would be taught the basics of fueling or charging the forklift, depending on whether the engine is gas-powered or battery-powered. Safety procedures pertaining to the specific truck, like for example how to safely walk around the lift truck, will be covered.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training will make sure that the forklift driver knows how to use the counterbalanced forklift. This practical training will take place in the same kind of setting wherein the driver would be working. The operator will train with the same sorts of surrounding buildings and other structures on the same kind of terrain, as well as the same vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Refresher Training
Counterbalance forklift drivers are required by OSHA to take a periodic refresher training course. However, there are no specifications as to the frequency at which an operator needs this training. Then again, for regular operators, refresher training must comprise classroom-style training.