Counterbalance Forklift Training Courses
Anybody who uses a counterbalanced forklift must receive training, according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies. Training covers a combination of classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is required periodically so as to keep driver skills up to date. OSHA does not indicate a required minimum time for either the hands-on or classroom training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalance forklift could balance its load due to a counterbalance built into the truck. Blades could move down and up parallel to the truck's body. The forks do not pivot. Operators who drive counterbalanced lift trucks must have training about the specific forklifts they will be using and in a similar workplace environment.
Classroom Training
In classroom training, the forklift driver will learn about the model he or she will be operating. Information comprises specifications like load, height and weight capacity. The operator will learn the basics of fueling or charging the lift truck, which depends on whether the engine is battery-powered or gas-powered. Safety procedures pertaining to the specific truck, such as how to walk safely around the lift truck, would be covered.
Supervised Driving
Driver training will be supervised to make sure that the operator would know how to correctly operate the counterbalance lift. This practical training would take place in the same type of setting in which the operator will be working. The operator will train on the same kind of terrain with the same sorts of surrounding buildings and other structures, as well as similar pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training Programs
Counterbalance lift truck operators are required by OSHA to take a periodic refresher training course. Nonetheless, there are no specifications as to the frequency at which an operator needs this training. Then again, for regular operators, refresher training should consist of classroom-style training.