Counterbalance Forklift Training
Anybody who utilizes a counterbalanced forklift is required to have training, according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies. Training covers a combination of classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is necessary periodically to keep driver skills up to date. OSHA does not specify a minimum time requirement for either the hands-on or classroom training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalance lift truck is able to balance its cargo because of a counterbalance built into the truck. Blades can move up and down parallel to the truck's body. The forks do not pivot. Operators driving counterbalanced forklifts must have training about the particular forklifts they will be driving and in a similar workplace surroundings.
Classroom Training
The lift truck driver will be taught the basics of the model of forklift they would be utilizing in classroom training. They will learn info about the forklifts particular things such as load, height and weight capacity. The operator would learn the basics of fueling or charging the lift truck, that depends on whether it is a gas-powered or battery-powered engine. Safety information regarding the specific truck, like how to walk safely around the lift truck, will be covered.
Supervised Driving
Driver training will be supervised to make sure that the driver would know how to correctly use the counterbalance forklift. This practical training course would happen in the same kind of environment in which the driver would 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 similar vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Refresher Training Courses
Though OSHA requires regular refresher training for counterbalanced forklift drivers, there are no specifications determining the frequency of refresher training or its contents. However, for regular operators, refresher training should incorporate classroom-style training.