Counterbalance Forklift Training
Anybody who uses a counterbalanced forklift should have training, based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies. Training includes a combination of hands-on driver training and classroom training. Refresher training is required periodically to keep operator skills up to date. OSHA does not indicate a required minimum time for either the hands-on or classroom training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced forklift balances its load utilizing a counterbalance built into the truck. The tines move down and up parallel to the body of the truck. The tines do not pivot. Operators who drive counterbalanced lift trucks should have training about the particular lift trucks they will be utilizing and in a similar workplace surroundings.
Classroom Training Courses
The lift truck operator will learn the basics of the model of forklift they would be using in classroom training. They will learn info regarding the forklifts specific things such as load, height and weight capacity. The driver will be taught the basics of fueling or charging the forklift, which depends on whether it is a gas-powered or battery-powered engine. Safety information pertaining to the specific lift truck, like for instance how to safely walk around the forklift, will be covered.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training would make certain that the lift truck operator knows how to operate the counterbalanced forklift. This practical training course would happen in the same type of setting wherein the driver would be working. The operator will train on the same kind of terrain with the same sorts of surrounding buildings and other structures, as well as the same pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training
Although OSHA requires periodic refresher training for counterbalanced forklift operators, there are no specifications that determine the frequency of refresher training or its contents. However, for regular operators, refresher training courses should comprise classroom-style training.