Counterbalance Forklift Training Courses
Based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, anyone who uses a counterbalanced forklift is required to receive training. Training for these types of industrial equipment includes both classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is required periodically to keep driver skills up to date. OSHA does not specify a required minimum time for either the hands-on or classroom training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalance forklift is able to balance its load because of a counterbalance built into the truck. Forks can move down and up parallel to the truck's body. The tines do not rotate. Operators who drive counterbalanced forklifts must receive training about the particular forklifts they would be utilizing and in the same workplace setting.
Classroom Training Courses
The forklift operator will be taught the basics of the model of lift truck they would be using in classroom training. They would learn info about the lift trucks particular things like load, height and weight capacity. The driver will be taught the basics of charging or fueling the forklift, depending on whether the engine is gas-powered or battery-powered. Safety procedures regarding the specific lift truck, such as how to walk safely around the lift truck, will be covered.
Supervised Driving
Driver training will be supervised to make sure that the operator will know how to properly utilize the counterbalance forklift. This practical training program would take place in the same type of environment in which the operator would be working. The operator will train on the same type of terrain with the same kinds of surrounding buildings and other structures, as well as similar pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training Programs
Counterbalance forklift operators are required by OSHA to take a regular refresher training course. However, there are no specifications as to the frequency at which a driver requires this training. However, for regular operators, refresher training courses should include classroom-style training.