Counterbalance Forklift Training Programs
Anyone who operates a counterbalanced lift truck must have training, based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations. Training consists of a combination of classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is needed occasionally so as to keep driver skills up to date. OSHA does not indicate a minimum time requirement for either the classroom or hands-on training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced lift truck balances its load utilizing a counterbalance built into the truck. The tines move up and down parallel to the truck's body. The forks do not pivot. Drivers who use counterbalanced forklifts should receive training on the specific lift trucks they will be using and in the same workplace surroundings.
Classroom Training
The forklift operator will be taught the basics of the model of forklift they would be using in classroom training. They will learn info about the lift trucks particular things like height, weight and load capacity. The operator will be taught the basics of fueling or charging the lift truck, depending on whether the engine is gas-powered or battery-powered. Safety information pertaining to the specific truck, like how to safely walk around the forklift, will be included.
Supervised Driving
Driver training would be supervised to make certain that the driver will know how to correctly drive the counterbalance lift truck. This practical training will happen in the same kind of environment in which the operator will be working. The driver would train on the same type of terrain with the same types of surrounding buildings and other structures, as well as similar 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 should include classroom-style training.