Counterbalance Forklift Training Programs
Based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anyone who uses a counterbalanced forklift must have training. Training for these types of industrial equipment comprises both hands-on driver training and classroom training. Refresher training is required periodically to keep operator skills up to date. OSHA does not indicate a required minimum time for either the classroom or hands-on training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalance forklift could balance its load due to a counterbalance built into the truck. Tines can move up and down parallel to the body of the truck. The tines do not rotate. Drivers who use counterbalanced forklifts must receive training about the specific forklifts they will be operating and in a similar workplace surroundings.
Classroom Training
In classroom training, the lift truck operator would learn about the model she or he would be utilizing. Information includes specifications like load, height and weight capacity. The operator would learn the basics of fueling or charging the forklift, depending on whether it is a battery-powered or gas-powered engine. Safety measures regarding the particular lift truck, like for instance how to walk safely around the lift truck, will be covered.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training will make sure that the forklift driver knows how to use the counterbalanced forklift. This practical training will occur in the same kind of environment wherein the operator will be working. The operator would train with the same sorts of nearby buildings and other structures on the same kind of terrain, as well as similar pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training
Though OSHA requires regular refresher training for counterbalanced lift truck drivers, there are no specifications that determine the frequency of refresher training or its contents. Then again, for regular drivers, refresher training must incorporate classroom-style training.