Counterbalance Forklift Training Courses
Based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, anyone who utilizes a counterbalanced lift truck should receive training. Training for these types of industrial machines consists of both hands-on driver training and classroom training. Refresher training is needed occasionally so as to keep operator skills up to date. OSHA does not specify a minimum time requirement for either the hands-on or classroom 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 blades do not pivot. Operators driving counterbalanced forklifts must have training on the particular trucks they would be utilizing and in the same workplace environment.
Classroom Training Programs
In classroom training, the forklift operator would be taught about the model she or he would be driving. Information consists of specifications such as height, weight and load capacity. The driver will learn the basics of fueling or charging the lift truck, depending on whether it is a battery-powered or gas-powered engine. Safety procedures regarding the particular truck, like how to walk safely around the lift truck, will be included.
Supervised Driving
Driver training will be supervised to make certain that the driver would know how to correctly utilize the counterbalance lift truck. This practical training would happen in the same kind of environment wherein the operator would be working. The driver will train with the same kinds of nearby buildings and other structures on the same type of terrain, as well as similar vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Refresher Training
Counterbalance lift truck operators are required by OSHA to take a periodic refresher training course. However, there are no specifications as to the frequency at which a driver needs this training. However, for regular operators, refresher training courses needs to consist of classroom-style training.