Counterbalance Forklift Training Programs
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anybody who uses a counterbalanced lift truck is required to receive training. Training for these types of industrial machines includes both hands-on driver training and classroom training. Refresher training is necessary occasionally in order to keep operator skills up to date. OSHA does not specify a minimum time requirement for either the classroom or hands-on training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced lift truck balances its cargo utilizing a counterbalance built into the truck. The forks move down and up parallel to the body of the truck. The blades do not rotate. Drivers who use counterbalanced lift trucks must have training about the specific trucks they would be operating and in the same workplace environment.
Classroom Training Programs
The forklift operator will be taught the basics of the model of lift truck they will be utilizing in classroom training. They would learn info regarding the forklifts particular things such as load, height and weight capacity. The driver will be taught the basics of charging or fueling the lift truck, depending on whether it is a gas-powered or battery-powered engine. Safety measures regarding the specific lift truck, like how to walk safely around the forklift, would be included.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training will ensure the forklift operator knows how to operate the counterbalanced forklift. This practical training program will occur in the same type of setting wherein the driver would be working. The operator will train on the same kind of terrain with the same kinds of surrounding buildings and other structures, as well as similar pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training Courses
Counterbalance forklift operators are required by OSHA to take a regular refresher training program. Nevertheless, there are no specifications as to the frequency at which an operator needs this training. However, for regular operators, refresher training programs has to consist of classroom-style training.