Counterbalance Forklift Training
Based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anyone who utilizes a counterbalanced forklift should have training. Training for these types of industrial vehicles includes both hands-on driver training and classroom training. Refresher training is required periodically so as to keep operator skills up to date. OSHA does not specify a required minimum time for either the classroom or hands-on training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalance forklift can balance its load because of a counterbalance built into the truck. Tines can move down and up parallel to the body of the truck. The tines do not rotate. Operators who drive counterbalanced lift trucks should have training on the specific lift trucks they will be utilizing and in a similar workplace setting.
Classroom Training Courses
The lift truck driver would be taught the basics of the model of lift truck they will be utilizing in classroom training. They will learn info regarding the lift trucks specific things such as weight, load and height capacity. The operator will be taught the basics of fueling or charging the forklift, that depends on whether it is a battery-powered or gas-powered engine. Safety procedures regarding the specific truck, like for instance how to safely walk around the lift truck, would be covered.
Supervised Driving
Driver training will be supervised to ensure that the operator will know how to properly operate the counterbalance lift truck. This practical training program will take place in the same type of setting in which the driver would be working. The driver would train with the same kinds of surrounding buildings and other structures on the same kind of terrain, as well as the same pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training Programs
Counterbalance lift truck drivers are required by OSHA to take a regular refresher training course. Nevertheless, there are no specifications as to the frequency at which a driver needs this training. Then again, for regular drivers, refresher training needs to consist of classroom-style training.