Counterbalance Forklift Training
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anybody who uses a counterbalanced forklift should receive training. Training for these types of industrial vehicles includes both hands-on driver training and classroom training. Refresher training is needed periodically to keep operator skills up to date. OSHA does not specify a minimum time requirement for either the hands-on or classroom training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced lift truck balances its load utilizing a counterbalance built into the truck. The blades move up and down parallel to the truck's body. The tines do not rotate. Drivers who use counterbalanced forklifts must have training on the particular lift trucks they will be operating and in a similar workplace environment.
Classroom Training Programs
The forklift operator will be taught the basics of the model of lift truck they would be using in classroom training. They would learn info about the lift trucks specific things such as height, weight and load capacity. The driver would be taught the basics of charging or fueling the lift truck, depending on whether the engine is gas-powered or battery-powered. Safety measures pertaining to the particular lift truck, such as how to safely walk around the forklift, will be covered.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training will make sure that the lift truck driver knows how to operate the counterbalanced forklift. This practical training will happen in the same kind of environment wherein the driver would be working. The operator would 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 lift truck drivers are required by OSHA to take a regular refresher training course. Nonetheless, there are no specifications as to the frequency at which an operator requires this training. However, for regular operators, refresher training has to comprise classroom-style training.