Counterbalance Forklift Training
Anybody who operates a counterbalanced lift truck must receive training, based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies. Training includes a combination of hands-on driver training and classroom training. Refresher training is necessary occasionally so as 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 cargo utilizing a counterbalance built into the truck. The tines move down and up parallel to the body of the truck. The forks do not pivot. Operators who use counterbalanced forklifts should receive training on the particular forklifts they would be operating and in a similar workplace surroundings.
Classroom Training Programs
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 regarding the forklifts specific things such as load, height and weight capacity. The operator will learn the basics of fueling or charging the lift truck, depending on whether it is a battery-powered or gas-powered engine. Safety procedures pertaining to the particular lift truck, like for instance how to walk safely around the forklift, will be included.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training would make sure that the forklift driver knows how to drive the counterbalanced lift truck. This practical training will happen in the same kind of setting in which the driver would be working. The driver would 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
Counterbalance lift truck operators are required by OSHA to take a periodic refresher training course. Nevertheless, there are no specifications as to the frequency at which a driver requires this training. However, for regular drivers, refresher training must comprise classroom-style training.