Counterbalance Forklift Training
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, anyone who operates a counterbalanced forklift must receive training. Training for these kinds of industrial machinery comprises both hands-on driver training and classroom training. Refresher training is needed periodically so as to keep driver skills up to date. OSHA does not specify a required minimum time for either the classroom or hands-on training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalance forklift is able to balance its load because of a counterbalance built into the truck. Tines can move down and up parallel to the body of the truck. The blades do not rotate. Operators who drive counterbalanced lift trucks should receive training about the particular trucks they would be using and in the same workplace setting.
Classroom Training Courses
In classroom training, the forklift driver would be taught about the model she or he will be operating. Information includes specifications such as weight, load and height capacity. The operator would learn the basics of fueling or charging the forklift, depending on whether the engine is battery-powered or gas-powered. Safety measures regarding the specific truck, such as how to walk safely around the forklift, would be covered.
Supervised Driving
Driver training will be supervised to make sure that the driver would know how to properly drive the counterbalance forklift. This practical training would take place in the same kind of environment wherein the operator will be working. The driver will train on the same type of terrain with the same kinds of nearby buildings and other structures, as well as similar pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training Courses
Although OSHA requires regular refresher training for counterbalanced forklift operators, there are no specifications which determine the frequency of refresher training or its contents. However, for regular drivers, refresher training must comprise classroom-style training.