Counterbalance Forklift Training
Anybody who uses a counterbalanced forklift is required to receive training, based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations. Training covers a combination of classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is necessary periodically 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 tines move up and down parallel to the body of the truck. The blades do not rotate. Operators driving counterbalanced forklifts should have training on the particular lift trucks they would be operating and in a similar workplace surroundings.
Classroom Training Courses
The forklift operator would learn the basics of the model of lift truck they will be utilizing in classroom training. They would learn info about the forklifts specific things like height, weight and load capacity. The driver will learn the basics of charging or fueling the lift truck, that depends on whether it is a battery-powered or gas-powered engine. Safety measures regarding the particular forklift, such as how to safely walk around the forklift, will be covered.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training would ensure the forklift operator knows how to drive the counterbalanced lift truck. This practical training would take place in the same type of setting wherein the operator would be working. The operator will train with the same kinds of surrounding buildings and other structures on the same type of terrain, as well as the same pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training Courses
Though OSHA requires regular refresher training for counterbalanced forklift drivers, there are no specifications which determine the frequency of refresher training or its contents. Then again, for regular drivers, refresher training has to incorporate classroom-style training.