Counterbalance Forklift Training
Based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anyone who operates a counterbalanced forklift must have training. Training for these types of industrial machinery comprises both classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is needed periodically to keep driver skills up to date. OSHA does not indicate a required minimum time for either the classroom or hands-on training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalance lift truck can balance its cargo due to a counterbalance built into the truck. Tines can move up and down parallel to the truck's body. The tines do not rotate. Operators driving counterbalanced forklifts should receive training on the specific forklifts they will be driving and in the same workplace environment.
Classroom Training Courses
In classroom training, the forklift driver would learn about the model he or she would be using. Information comprises specifications such as weight, load and height capacity. The operator would be taught the basics of charging or fueling the forklift, depending on whether it is a battery-powered or gas-powered engine. Safety measures pertaining to the particular truck, like for instance how to safely walk around the forklift, will be included.
Supervised Driving
Driver training would be supervised to make sure that the driver will know how to correctly operate the counterbalance forklift. This practical training course will take place in the same kind of environment in which the driver would be working. The driver would train on the same type of terrain with the same kinds of surrounding buildings and other structures, as well as the same vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Refresher Training Programs
Although OSHA requires regular refresher training for counterbalanced forklift operators, there are no specifications which determine the frequency of refresher training or its contents. Then again, for regular drivers, refresher training courses must include classroom-style training.