Counterbalance Forklift Training Courses
Based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anyone who uses a counterbalanced lift truck is required to receive training. Training for these types of industrial machinery comprises both hands-on driver training and classroom training. Refresher training is necessary periodically to keep driver skills up to date. OSHA does not specify a minimum time requirement for either the hands-on or classroom training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalance forklift is able to balance its load due to a counterbalance built into the truck. Blades can move up and down parallel to the body of the truck. The tines do not rotate. Operators driving counterbalanced forklifts must receive training on the particular lift trucks they would be operating and in the same workplace environment.
Classroom Training
In classroom training, the forklift driver would be taught about the model he or she will be operating. Information includes specifications like height, weight and load capacity. The driver would be taught the basics of charging or fueling the lift truck, that depends on whether it is a battery-powered or gas-powered engine. Safety measures pertaining to the specific lift truck, such as how to safely walk around the forklift, will be covered.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training would make sure that the lift truck operator knows how to drive the counterbalanced lift truck. This practical training would occur in the same type of setting wherein the operator will be working. The operator would train with the same sorts of surrounding buildings and other structures on the same type of terrain, as well as the same pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training Courses
Counterbalance lift truck operators are required by OSHA to take a regular refresher training program. Nonetheless, there are no specifications as to the frequency at which a driver requires this training. Then again, for regular operators, refresher training programs should comprise classroom-style training.