Counterbalance Forklift Training
Anyone who uses a counterbalanced lift truck should receive training, according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies. Training covers a combination of hands-on driver training and classroom training. Refresher training is needed periodically in order 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 forklift can balance its cargo due to a counterbalance built into the truck. Blades could move down and up parallel to the body of the truck. The forks do not pivot. Drivers who use counterbalanced lift trucks must have training about the particular lift trucks they will be utilizing and in a similar workplace surroundings.
Classroom Training Courses
The forklift driver would learn the basics of the model of lift truck they would be utilizing in classroom training. They will learn info about the forklifts particular things such as weight, load and height capacity. The driver would be taught the basics of fueling or charging the lift truck, that depends on whether it is a gas-powered or battery-powered engine. Safety measures regarding the particular forklift, like for instance how to safely walk around the lift truck, would be covered.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training would ensure the lift truck operator knows how to use the counterbalanced lift truck. This practical training would take place in the same type of environment wherein the driver will be working. The operator would train on the same kind of terrain with the same types of nearby buildings and other structures, as well as the same pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training
Though OSHA requires regular refresher training for counterbalanced forklift operators, there are no specifications determining the frequency of refresher training or its contents. However, for regular drivers, refresher training should comprise classroom-style training.