Counterbalance Forklift Training
Based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anyone who operates a counterbalanced lift truck must receive training. Training for these types of industrial vehicles consists of both classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is required periodically to keep operator skills up to date. OSHA does not indicate a minimum time requirement for either the hands-on or classroom training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced forklift balances its cargo with a counterbalance built into the truck. The blades move down and up parallel to the truck's body. The blades do not rotate. Operators driving counterbalanced forklifts must have training about the particular forklifts they will be driving and in the same workplace setting.
Classroom Training Courses
In classroom training, the forklift driver will be taught about the model he or she will be utilizing. Information consists of specifications like weight, load and height capacity. The driver would learn the basics of charging or fueling the forklift, that depends on whether the engine is gas-powered or battery-powered. Safety information regarding the particular forklift, like for instance how to walk safely around the lift truck, would be covered.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training would make sure that the forklift operator knows how to use the counterbalanced forklift. This practical training program will occur in the same kind of environment wherein the operator will be working. The driver will train with the same sorts of nearby buildings and other structures on the same type of terrain, as well as similar vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Refresher Training
Though OSHA requires periodic refresher training for counterbalanced lift truck drivers, there are no specifications which determine the frequency of refresher training or its contents. However, for regular drivers, refresher training has to consist of classroom-style training.