Counterbalance Forklift Training Courses
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anybody who operates 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 necessary occasionally so as to keep driver 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 cargo using a counterbalance built into the truck. The blades move down and up parallel to the body of the truck. The blades do not rotate. Operators who drive counterbalanced forklifts must receive training on the specific trucks they would be using and in a similar workplace environment.
Classroom Training
The forklift operator will be taught the basics of the model of lift truck they will be utilizing in classroom training. They would learn info about the forklifts particular things like load, height and weight capacity. The driver would be taught the basics of fueling or charging the lift truck, depending on whether it is a gas-powered or battery-powered engine. Safety measures pertaining to the specific truck, such as how to walk safely around the lift truck, would be covered.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training would make certain that the lift truck operator knows how to use the counterbalanced forklift. This practical training would happen in the same kind of setting in which the driver would be working. The driver will train with the same kinds of surrounding buildings and other structures on the same type of terrain, as well as similar pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training Courses
Counterbalance lift truck drivers are required by OSHA to take a regular refresher training program. However, there are no specifications as to the frequency at which an operator needs this training. However, for regular drivers, refresher training must comprise classroom-style training.