Counterbalance Forklift Training Programs
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, anyone who utilizes a counterbalanced forklift should have training. Training for these types of industrial machines includes both hands-on driver training and classroom training. Refresher training is needed occasionally in order to keep operator skills up to date. OSHA does not indicate a required minimum time for either the classroom or hands-on 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 blades do not rotate. Operators who utilize counterbalanced forklifts should receive training on the particular forklifts they would be operating and in the same workplace environment.
Classroom Training Programs
The lift truck operator will be taught the basics of the model of lift truck they will be using in classroom training. They will learn info regarding the forklifts particular things like height, weight and load capacity. The driver would be taught the basics of charging or fueling the forklift, depending on whether it is a battery-powered or gas-powered engine. Safety procedures pertaining to the particular lift truck, like for example how to walk safely around the forklift, will be included.
Supervised Driving
Driver training would be supervised to make certain that the operator will know how to properly operate the counterbalance forklift. This practical training program would take place in the same kind of environment wherein the driver 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 similar pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training Courses
Though OSHA requires periodic refresher training for counterbalanced forklift drivers, there are no specifications determining the frequency of refresher training or its contents. Then again, for regular drivers, refresher training programs must consist of classroom-style training.