Counterbalance Forklift Training Courses
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anybody who operates a counterbalanced forklift must have training. Training for these kinds of industrial equipment consists of both classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is needed occasionally so as to keep operator skills up to date. OSHA does not indicate a required minimum time for either the classroom or hands-on training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalance lift truck can balance its cargo because of a counterbalance built into the truck. Blades could move down and up parallel to the body of the truck. The tines do not pivot. Operators driving counterbalanced forklifts should have training on the specific forklifts they will be operating and in the same workplace setting.
Classroom Training
In classroom training, the lift truck operator will be taught about the model he or she would be utilizing. Information includes specifications such as weight, load and height capacity. The operator would be taught the basics of charging or fueling the forklift, depending on whether it is a gas-powered or battery-powered engine. Safety information pertaining to the particular forklift, such as how to walk safely around the forklift, will be covered.
Supervised Driving
Driver training will be supervised to make sure that the driver will know how to correctly utilize the counterbalance lift. This practical training course will take place in the same type of environment wherein the driver will be working. The driver would train on the same kind of terrain with the same types of surrounding buildings and other structures, as well as the same pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training
Though OSHA requires regular refresher training for counterbalanced lift truck drivers, there are no specifications which determine the frequency of refresher training or its contents. However, for regular operators, refresher training must include classroom-style training.