Counterbalance Forklift Training Courses
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, anybody who operates a counterbalanced lift truck is required to receive training. Training for these types of industrial machines comprises both classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is needed periodically 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
A counterbalanced lift truck balances its cargo utilizing a counterbalance built into the truck. The tines move down and up parallel to the body of the truck. The blades do not pivot. Drivers who use counterbalanced lift trucks must receive training about the specific lift trucks they would be driving and in the same workplace setting.
Classroom Training Courses
In classroom training, the forklift operator would learn about the model she or he will be driving. Information comprises specifications such as weight, load and height capacity. The driver will be taught the basics of fueling or charging the lift truck, depending on whether the engine is battery-powered or gas-powered. Safety measures pertaining to the particular forklift, like how to walk safely around the forklift, would be included.
Supervised Driving
Driver training would be supervised to make sure that the driver will know how to correctly utilize the counterbalance forklift. This practical training program would happen in the same kind of setting wherein the operator will be working. The driver will train on the same type of terrain with the same types of nearby buildings and other structures, as well as similar pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training Courses
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 operators, refresher training programs should consist of classroom-style training.