Counterbalance Forklift Training Programs
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, anyone who utilizes a counterbalanced forklift must have training. Training for these types of industrial equipment includes both classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is necessary occasionally in order to keep driver skills up to date. OSHA does not specify a minimum time requirement for either the classroom or hands-on training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalance lift truck is able to balance its cargo due to a counterbalance built into the truck. Blades can move down and up parallel to the body of the truck. The forks do not rotate. Drivers who utilize counterbalanced forklifts must have training on the particular trucks they would be utilizing and in a similar workplace setting.
Classroom Training Programs
In classroom training, the forklift operator will learn about the model she or he will be operating. Information includes specifications such as weight, load and height capacity. The operator would be taught the basics of fueling or charging the forklift, which depends on whether the engine is battery-powered or gas-powered. Safety measures pertaining to the particular truck, like how to walk safely around the lift truck, will be included.
Supervised Driving
Driver training will be supervised to make certain that the operator will know how to properly utilize the counterbalance lift truck. This practical training would happen in the same type of environment wherein the driver would be working. The driver will train on the same kind of terrain with the same types of surrounding buildings and other structures, as well as similar vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Refresher Training Programs
Counterbalance forklift drivers are required by OSHA to take a periodic refresher training course. Nevertheless, there are no specifications as to the frequency at which a driver needs this training. However, for regular drivers, refresher training programs should comprise classroom-style training.