Counterbalance Forklift Training Programs
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, anyone who uses a counterbalanced lift truck must receive training. Training for these types of industrial machines consists of both hands-on driver training and classroom training. Refresher training is necessary 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
The counterbalance lift truck can balance its load because of a counterbalance built into the truck. Forks can move up and down parallel to the truck's body. The tines do not pivot. Operators driving counterbalanced lift trucks should receive training about the particular lift trucks they will be using and in the same workplace surroundings.
Classroom Training Courses
The lift truck driver would be taught the basics of the model of forklift they will be utilizing in classroom training. They will learn info about the forklifts specific things such as load, height and weight capacity. The operator would be taught the basics of charging or fueling the forklift, which depends on whether the engine is battery-powered or gas-powered. Safety measures regarding the particular truck, like for example how to safely walk around the forklift, will be included.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training would make sure that the lift truck operator knows how to utilize the counterbalanced lift truck. This practical training will take place in the same type of setting in which the driver will be working. The operator will train with the same types of nearby buildings and other structures on the same kind of terrain, as well as the same pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training
Although OSHA requires periodic refresher training for counterbalanced forklift drivers, there are no specifications that determine the frequency of refresher training or its contents. However, for regular operators, refresher training must consist of classroom-style training.