Counterbalance Forklift Training
Based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, anyone who uses a counterbalanced forklift should have training. Training for these types of industrial machines comprises both hands-on driver training and classroom training. Refresher training is necessary occasionally 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 forklift can balance its cargo due to a counterbalance built into the truck. Tines could move down and up parallel to the truck's body. The blades do not pivot. Drivers who use counterbalanced lift trucks must have training about the specific lift trucks they will be utilizing and in a similar workplace setting.
Classroom Training Courses
The forklift operator will be taught the basics of the model of lift truck they will be using in classroom training. They would learn info about the forklifts specific things like load, height and weight capacity. The driver will be taught the basics of fueling or charging the forklift, depending on whether it is a battery-powered or gas-powered engine. Safety procedures pertaining to the particular truck, like how to safely walk around the forklift, will be included.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training will make certain that the lift truck operator knows how to drive the counterbalanced forklift. This practical training course will happen in the same kind of environment in which the driver would be working. The driver will train on the same type of terrain with the same types of surrounding buildings and other structures, as well as the same pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training
Although OSHA requires regular refresher training for counterbalanced forklift drivers, there are no specifications that determine the frequency of refresher training or its contents. However, for regular drivers, refresher training should incorporate classroom-style training.