Counterbalance Forklift Training Courses
Anybody who operates a counterbalanced lift truck is required to receive training, according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations. Training includes a combination of classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is required occasionally to keep driver skills up to date. OSHA does not specify a minimum time requirement for either the classroom or hands-on training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced forklift balances its load utilizing a counterbalance built into the truck. The tines move up and down parallel to the body of the truck. The blades do not rotate. Operators who use counterbalanced lift trucks must receive training about the specific lift trucks they would be driving and in the same workplace surroundings.
Classroom Training
The lift truck driver will learn the basics of the model of lift truck they would be using in classroom training. They will learn info regarding the lift trucks specific things such as load, height and weight capacity. The operator will be taught the basics of fueling or charging the forklift, that depends on whether the engine is gas-powered or battery-powered. Safety procedures pertaining to the specific truck, such as how to walk safely around the forklift, would be covered.
Supervised Driving
Driver training will be supervised to make certain that the driver will know how to correctly operate the counterbalance lift truck. This practical training program will happen in the same kind of environment wherein the operator will be working. The driver will train on the same type of terrain with the same types of nearby buildings and other structures, as well as the same pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training Courses
Though OSHA requires regular refresher training for counterbalanced forklift drivers, there are no specifications that determine the frequency of refresher training or its contents. However, for regular operators, refresher training programs must consist of classroom-style training.