Counterbalance Forklift Training Courses
Based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anybody who operates a counterbalanced forklift should receive training. Training for these types of industrial machines consists of both hands-on driver training and classroom training. Refresher training is required periodically so as 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 forklift balances its load using a counterbalance built into the truck. The forks move up and down parallel to the body of the truck. The tines do not pivot. Operators who use counterbalanced lift trucks must receive training about the specific forklifts they will be operating and in a similar workplace environment.
Classroom Training
The forklift operator will learn the basics of the model of forklift they would be utilizing in classroom training. They would learn info regarding the lift trucks specific things like weight, load and height capacity. The operator would learn the basics of fueling or charging the lift truck, that depends on whether it is a battery-powered or gas-powered engine. Safety procedures pertaining to the particular forklift, like for instance how to safely walk around the forklift, will be included.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training will ensure the lift truck operator knows how to drive the counterbalanced forklift. This practical training will occur in the same type of environment wherein the operator will be working. The operator would train with the same types of nearby buildings and other structures on the same kind of terrain, as well as the same pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training
Though OSHA requires regular refresher training for counterbalanced forklift drivers, there are no specifications which determine the frequency of refresher training or its contents. Then again, for regular drivers, refresher training courses needs to consist of classroom-style training.