Counterbalance Forklift Training Programs
Based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anybody who utilizes a counterbalanced lift truck must receive training. Training for these kinds of industrial machinery includes both classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is required occasionally 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
A counterbalanced forklift balances its cargo using a counterbalance built into the truck. The blades move up and down parallel to the truck's body. The blades do not pivot. Operators driving counterbalanced lift trucks must have training about the specific trucks they will be driving and in the same workplace setting.
Classroom Training Courses
The lift truck driver would be taught the basics of the model of lift truck they would be utilizing in classroom training. They will learn info regarding the lift trucks specific things such as weight, load and height capacity. The operator would learn the basics of charging or fueling the lift truck, that 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, would be covered.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training will ensure the lift truck operator knows how to utilize the counterbalanced lift truck. This practical training will happen in the same type of environment in which the operator will be working. The operator would train with the same types of surrounding buildings and other structures on the same type of terrain, as well as similar vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Refresher Training
Counterbalance lift truck drivers are required by OSHA to take a regular refresher training program. Nevertheless, there are no specifications as to the frequency at which a driver requires this training. Then again, for regular operators, refresher training courses must comprise classroom-style training.