Counterbalance Forklift Training Programs
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anyone who uses a counterbalanced lift truck should have training. Training for these types of industrial vehicles consists of both classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is necessary occasionally in order to keep operator skills up to date. OSHA does not indicate a required minimum time for either the classroom or hands-on training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced forklift balances its cargo utilizing a counterbalance built into the truck. The blades move up and down parallel to the truck's body. The blades do not rotate. Operators who drive counterbalanced lift trucks should receive training on the particular trucks they would be operating and in the same workplace setting.
Classroom Training
The forklift operator would learn the basics of the model of forklift they will be using in classroom training. They will learn info regarding the forklifts specific things such as load, height and weight capacity. The operator will learn the basics of fueling or charging the lift truck, depending on whether it is a gas-powered or battery-powered engine. Safety information pertaining to the particular lift truck, like how to walk safely around the forklift, will be covered.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training will make certain that the lift truck driver knows how to utilize the counterbalanced forklift. This practical training would occur in the same type of setting in which the operator would be working. The driver will train on the same type of terrain with the same kinds of nearby buildings and other structures, as well as similar pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training Courses
Counterbalance lift truck drivers are required by OSHA to take a periodic refresher training program. Nonetheless, there are no specifications as to the frequency at which a driver needs this training. However, for regular operators, refresher training courses should consist of classroom-style training.