Counterbalance Forklift Training Courses
Anyone who operates a counterbalanced lift truck must have training, according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations. Training consists of a combination of classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is necessary occasionally so as to keep driver skills up to date. OSHA does not specify a minimum time requirement for either the classroom or hands-on training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced lift truck balances its load utilizing a counterbalance built into the truck. The tines move down and up parallel to the truck's body. The forks do not rotate. Drivers who use counterbalanced forklifts should receive training on the particular lift trucks they will be utilizing and in a similar workplace surroundings.
Classroom Training Courses
The forklift driver will be taught the basics of the model of lift truck they would be utilizing in classroom training. They would learn info about the forklifts particular things such as weight, load and height capacity. The driver would learn the basics of fueling or charging the forklift, depending on whether it is a gas-powered or battery-powered engine. Safety procedures pertaining to the specific forklift, such as how to safely walk around the forklift, would be included.
Supervised Driving
Driver training will be supervised to ensure that the operator would know how to properly drive the counterbalance forklift. This practical training program will happen in the same type of setting wherein the driver will be working. The driver would train with the same sorts of surrounding buildings and other structures on the same type of terrain, as well as similar vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Refresher Training
Although OSHA requires periodic refresher training for counterbalanced forklift drivers, there are no specifications determining the frequency of refresher training or its contents. Then again, for regular operators, refresher training courses should comprise classroom-style training.