Counterbalance Forklift Training
Anyone who uses a counterbalanced forklift must have training, based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies. Training covers a combination of classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is needed periodically to keep operator skills up to date. OSHA does not indicate a minimum time requirement for either the classroom or hands-on training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced lift truck balances its cargo utilizing a counterbalance built into the truck. The blades move down and up parallel to the truck's body. The tines do not rotate. Drivers who utilize counterbalanced forklifts must receive training on the specific trucks they would be driving and in a similar workplace surroundings.
Classroom Training Courses
In classroom training, the lift truck driver would learn about the model she or he will be operating. Information comprises specifications like weight, load and height capacity. The driver will be taught the basics of charging or fueling the forklift, which depends on whether it is a gas-powered or battery-powered engine. Safety information pertaining to the particular forklift, like how to walk safely around the forklift, would be covered.
Supervised Driving
Driver training will be supervised to ensure that the driver would know how to correctly drive the counterbalance lift truck. This practical training would occur in the same type of environment in which 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 Courses
Although OSHA requires regular refresher training for counterbalanced forklift operators, there are no specifications that determine the frequency of refresher training or its contents. Then again, for regular drivers, refresher training courses must incorporate classroom-style training.