Counterbalance Forklift Training Courses
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, anyone who operates a counterbalanced forklift should receive training. Training for these kinds of industrial vehicles comprises both classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is required periodically in order to keep operator skills up to date. OSHA does not specify a required minimum time for either the hands-on or classroom training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced lift truck balances its load using a counterbalance built into the truck. The forks move up and down parallel to the body of the truck. The blades do not pivot. Operators who utilize counterbalanced forklifts should have training on the specific lift trucks they would be using and in the same workplace environment.
Classroom Training Programs
The forklift driver would learn the basics of the model of forklift they would be using in classroom training. They would learn info regarding the forklifts particular things such as load, height and weight capacity. The operator will learn the basics of fueling or charging the forklift, that depends on whether it is a battery-powered or gas-powered engine. Safety measures regarding the particular forklift, like for instance how to safely walk around the forklift, would be covered.
Supervised Driving
Driver training will be supervised to make certain that the operator would know how to properly use the counterbalance forklift. This practical training would occur in the same kind of setting wherein the operator would be working. The driver would train with the same kinds of surrounding buildings and other structures on the same kind of terrain, as well as similar vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Refresher Training
Though OSHA requires periodic refresher training for counterbalanced lift truck drivers, there are no specifications determining the frequency of refresher training or its contents. Then again, for regular drivers, refresher training courses must include classroom-style training.