Counterbalance Forklift Training Courses
Based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anyone who uses a counterbalanced forklift is required to receive training. Training for these types of industrial vehicles consists of both classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is needed occasionally 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 using a counterbalance built into the truck. The forks move down and up parallel to the body of the truck. The tines do not pivot. Operators driving counterbalanced forklifts must receive training on the specific lift trucks they would be utilizing and in a similar workplace environment.
Classroom Training Courses
The lift truck operator will learn the basics of the model of forklift they would be utilizing in classroom training. They would learn info about the forklifts specific things like weight, load and height capacity. The operator will learn the basics of charging or fueling the forklift, depending on whether the engine is gas-powered or battery-powered. Safety procedures regarding the particular truck, such as how to walk safely around the lift truck, would be included.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training will ensure the forklift operator knows how to drive the counterbalanced forklift. This practical training will take place in the same kind of setting wherein the driver would be working. The driver would train on the same type of terrain with the same types of nearby buildings and other structures, as well as the same vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Refresher Training
Though OSHA requires regular refresher training for counterbalanced lift truck operators, there are no specifications that determine the frequency of refresher training or its contents. However, for regular drivers, refresher training courses needs to consist of classroom-style training.