Counterbalance Forklift Training
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, anybody who uses a counterbalanced lift truck must receive training. Training for these types of industrial machinery consists of both classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is needed occasionally so as to keep operator skills up to date. OSHA does not indicate a minimum time requirement for either the hands-on or classroom training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalance lift truck is able to balance its load thanks to a counterbalance built into the truck. Tines could move down and up parallel to the body of the truck. The forks do not pivot. Operators driving counterbalanced forklifts should receive training about the particular trucks they will be using and in a similar workplace surroundings.
Classroom Training Programs
In classroom training, the lift truck driver would learn about the model he or she will be driving. Information consists of specifications such as weight, load and height capacity. The operator will learn the basics of charging or fueling the lift truck, that depends on whether the engine is gas-powered or battery-powered. Safety measures pertaining to the specific forklift, like how to safely walk around the forklift, would be covered.
Supervised Driving
Driver training will be supervised to make sure that the driver will know how to correctly use the counterbalance lift truck. This practical training course will take place in the same kind of environment wherein the operator would be working. The driver would train on the same kind of terrain with the same kinds of surrounding buildings and other structures, as well as similar pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training
Counterbalance forklift operators are required by OSHA to take a regular refresher training program. Nonetheless, there are no specifications as to the frequency at which an operator needs this training. Then again, for regular drivers, refresher training programs needs to incorporate classroom-style training.