Counterbalance Forklift Training Courses
Based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anyone who uses a counterbalanced forklift is required to have training. Training for these kinds of industrial machines comprises both classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is necessary periodically in order to keep operator skills up to date. OSHA does not specify a required minimum time for either the classroom or hands-on training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced forklift balances its load with a counterbalance built into the truck. The blades move up and down parallel to the truck's body. The tines do not pivot. Operators who use counterbalanced forklifts should have training about the specific lift trucks they will be utilizing and in a similar workplace surroundings.
Classroom Training Programs
The lift truck operator will be taught the basics of the model of forklift they would be utilizing in classroom training. They will learn info about the forklifts specific things like load, height and weight capacity. The driver will be taught the basics of charging or fueling the forklift, which depends on whether it is a battery-powered or gas-powered engine. Safety information pertaining to the specific forklift, such as how to safely walk around the forklift, would be covered.
Supervised Driving
Driver training would be supervised to make certain that the operator would know how to correctly operate the counterbalance lift. This practical training program would happen in the same type of setting wherein the driver will be working. The operator would train on the same type of terrain with the same sorts of nearby buildings and other structures, as well as similar vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Refresher Training Courses
Counterbalance lift truck drivers 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 drivers, refresher training has to include classroom-style training.