Counterbalance Forklift Training
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anyone who uses a counterbalanced forklift must have training. Training for these types of industrial machines comprises both hands-on driver training and classroom training. Refresher training is required periodically so as 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 could balance its cargo due to a counterbalance built into the truck. Tines could move up and down parallel to the truck's body. The blades do not pivot. Operators who drive counterbalanced forklifts should have training on the specific trucks they will be operating and in a similar workplace environment.
Classroom Training Programs
The forklift operator will be taught the basics of the model of lift truck they will be using in classroom training. They would learn info about the forklifts specific things such as load, height and weight capacity. The driver will learn the basics of charging or fueling the lift truck, which depends on whether it is a battery-powered or gas-powered engine. Safety procedures regarding the particular forklift, like for instance how to safely walk around the forklift, would be included.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training would ensure the forklift driver knows how to drive the counterbalanced lift truck. This practical training course would happen in the same type of setting wherein the driver will 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 pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training
Although OSHA requires regular refresher training for counterbalanced lift truck drivers, there are no specifications that determine the frequency of refresher training or its contents. Then again, for regular drivers, refresher training must comprise classroom-style training.