Counterbalance Forklift Training Programs
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anybody who operates a counterbalanced forklift must have training. Training for these kinds of industrial vehicles consists of both classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is required periodically to keep driver skills up to date. OSHA does not specify a minimum time requirement for either the hands-on or classroom training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced forklift balances its cargo using a counterbalance built into the truck. The blades move down and up parallel to the body of the truck. The forks do not pivot. Operators who drive counterbalanced forklifts must receive training about the particular forklifts they would be operating and in the same workplace surroundings.
Classroom Training
In classroom training, the lift truck operator will learn about the model she or he will be using. Information consists of specifications like weight, load and height capacity. The operator will learn the basics of charging or fueling the forklift, depending on whether it is a gas-powered or battery-powered engine. Safety procedures pertaining to the particular forklift, such as how to walk safely around the lift truck, 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 course will happen in the same type of environment in which the driver would be working. The operator would train on the same type of terrain with the same types of nearby buildings and other structures, as well as the same pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training Courses
Though 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 drivers, refresher training courses has to include classroom-style training.