Counterbalance Forklift Training Courses
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anybody who operates a counterbalanced lift truck should receive training. Training for these types of industrial machines comprises both classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is required occasionally to keep driver skills up to date. OSHA does not indicate a minimum time requirement for either the hands-on or classroom training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalance lift truck can balance its load thanks to a counterbalance built into the truck. Tines could move up and down parallel to the truck's body. The tines do not pivot. Operators who use counterbalanced forklifts must have training about the specific lift trucks they would be utilizing and in the same workplace environment.
Classroom Training Programs
In classroom training, the lift truck driver would learn about the model he or she will be driving. Information consists of specifications like weight, load and height capacity. The operator would be taught the basics of charging or fueling the lift truck, that depends on whether the engine is battery-powered or gas-powered. Safety information pertaining to the particular forklift, like for example how to safely walk around the forklift, would be included.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training would make sure that the lift truck operator knows how to operate the counterbalanced forklift. This practical training will occur in the same type of setting in which the operator will be working. The driver would train on the same kind of terrain with the same kinds of nearby buildings and other structures, as well as the same vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Refresher Training Programs
Counterbalance forklift drivers are required by OSHA to take a regular refresher training program. Nevertheless, there are no specifications as to the frequency at which an operator needs this training. However, for regular operators, refresher training has to consist of classroom-style training.