Counterbalance Forklift Training Courses
Anybody who utilizes a counterbalanced lift truck is required to receive training, based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations. Training covers a combination of classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is necessary occasionally 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 can balance its load because of a counterbalance built into the truck. Blades can move down and up parallel to the truck's body. The blades do not rotate. Operators who utilize counterbalanced lift trucks must receive training on the specific forklifts they would be operating and in a similar workplace environment.
Classroom Training
In classroom training, the lift truck operator would be taught about the model she or he will be operating. Information comprises specifications such as weight, load and height capacity. The driver will be taught the basics of charging or fueling the lift truck, depending on whether the engine is gas-powered or battery-powered. Safety procedures regarding the particular lift truck, like for example how to walk safely around the forklift, would be covered.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training will ensure the lift truck operator knows how to utilize the counterbalanced forklift. This practical training program will occur in the same type of setting wherein the operator would be working. The operator will train with the same types of nearby buildings and other structures on the same kind of terrain, as well as similar pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training
Though OSHA requires periodic 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 needs to include classroom-style training.