Counterbalance Forklift Training
Based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, anyone who operates a counterbalanced lift truck must have training. Training for these types of industrial machinery comprises both classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is required periodically to keep driver skills up to date. OSHA does not indicate a required minimum time for either the hands-on or classroom training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalance forklift could balance its load because of a counterbalance built into the truck. Blades can move up and down parallel to the truck's body. The forks do not pivot. Operators who drive counterbalanced lift trucks should receive training on the particular trucks they would be driving and in a similar workplace environment.
Classroom Training Programs
In classroom training, the forklift driver will be taught about the model she or he will be utilizing. Information includes specifications such as load, height and weight capacity. The operator will be taught the basics of fueling or charging the lift truck, depending on whether it is a gas-powered or battery-powered engine. Safety measures regarding the specific truck, like how to safely walk around the lift truck, would be included.
Supervised Driving
Driver training will be supervised to ensure that the operator will know how to properly drive the counterbalance lift truck. This practical training would happen in the same type of environment wherein the driver would be working. The driver would train with the same kinds of surrounding buildings and other structures on the same kind of terrain, as well as the same pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training
Though OSHA requires regular refresher training for counterbalanced forklift drivers, there are no specifications which determine the frequency of refresher training or its contents. However, for regular drivers, refresher training courses should comprise classroom-style training.