Counterbalance Forklift Training Courses
Anyone who utilizes a counterbalanced forklift should receive training, according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations. Training covers a combination of classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is required occasionally to keep operator skills up to date. OSHA does not specify a required minimum time for either the classroom or hands-on training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced lift truck balances its cargo with a counterbalance built into the truck. The tines move up and down parallel to the body of the truck. The tines do not rotate. Operators who drive counterbalanced lift trucks must have training about the specific lift trucks they would be using and in a similar workplace environment.
Classroom Training
In classroom training, the forklift driver would learn about the model he or she would be utilizing. Information includes specifications like weight, load and height capacity. The operator would learn the basics of fueling or charging the lift truck, depending on whether the engine is gas-powered or battery-powered. Safety information regarding the particular lift truck, such as how to safely walk around the forklift, would be covered.
Supervised Driving
Driver training would be supervised to make certain that the operator would know how to properly drive the counterbalance forklift. This practical training course will take place in the same type of environment wherein the operator would be working. The driver will train with the same kinds of nearby buildings and other structures on the same type of terrain, as well as the same pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training
Counterbalance forklift operators are required by OSHA to take a regular refresher training program. However, there are no specifications as to the frequency at which a driver needs this training. However, for regular operators, refresher training courses must comprise classroom-style training.