Counterbalance Forklift Training Courses
Based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anybody who utilizes a counterbalanced lift truck should receive training. Training for these types of industrial machines includes both hands-on driver training and classroom training. Refresher training is needed occasionally 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
A counterbalanced lift truck balances its load using a counterbalance built into the truck. The blades move down and up parallel to the body of the truck. The tines do not pivot. Operators driving counterbalanced lift trucks should receive training about the particular forklifts they would be operating and in the same workplace environment.
Classroom Training
In classroom training, the forklift operator will learn about the model she or he will be driving. Information comprises specifications like load, height and weight capacity. The driver will learn the basics of charging or fueling the lift truck, depending on whether the engine is gas-powered or battery-powered. Safety information pertaining to the specific truck, like for example how to walk safely around the lift truck, would be included.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training would ensure the lift truck driver knows how to use the counterbalanced lift truck. This practical training course will occur in the same kind of environment in which the driver will be working. The driver would train with the same types of nearby buildings and other structures on the same type of terrain, as well as similar vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Refresher Training
Although OSHA requires periodic refresher training for counterbalanced forklift drivers, there are no specifications which determine the frequency of refresher training or its contents. However, for regular operators, refresher training needs to comprise classroom-style training.