Counterbalance Forklift Training Programs
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anyone who uses a counterbalanced lift truck must have training. Training for these types of industrial equipment consists of both hands-on driver training and classroom training. Refresher training is necessary occasionally so as to keep operator skills up to date. OSHA does not indicate a minimum time requirement for either the classroom or hands-on training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced forklift balances its cargo utilizing a counterbalance built into the truck. The tines move up and down parallel to the truck's body. The forks do not rotate. Operators driving counterbalanced lift trucks must receive training about the particular lift trucks they would be operating and in a similar workplace surroundings.
Classroom Training Courses
The lift truck operator would learn the basics of the model of lift truck they would be utilizing in classroom training. They would learn info regarding the forklifts particular things like height, weight and load capacity. The operator will learn the basics of charging or fueling the lift truck, depending on whether the engine is battery-powered or gas-powered. Safety information pertaining to the particular truck, like how to walk safely around the lift truck, will be covered.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training will ensure the lift truck driver knows how to drive the counterbalanced forklift. This practical training would occur in the same type of setting wherein the operator would be working. The operator will train on the same type of terrain with the same sorts of nearby buildings and other structures, as well as the same vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Refresher Training
Counterbalance forklift drivers are required by OSHA to take a regular refresher training course. Nevertheless, there are no specifications as to the frequency at which an operator needs this training. However, for regular operators, refresher training needs to comprise classroom-style training.