Counterbalance Forklift Training Courses
Anyone who operates a counterbalanced forklift must have training, according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies. Training consists of a combination of hands-on driver training and classroom training. Refresher training is necessary occasionally in order to keep operator skills up to date. OSHA does not indicate a required minimum time for either the hands-on or classroom training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced lift truck balances its load utilizing a counterbalance built into the truck. The blades move down and up parallel to the body of the truck. The blades do not pivot. Operators driving counterbalanced lift trucks must have training on the specific lift trucks they will be driving and in the same workplace setting.
Classroom Training
The lift truck driver would learn the basics of the model of lift truck they will be utilizing in classroom training. They would learn info regarding the forklifts particular things such as height, weight and load capacity. The operator will be taught the basics of charging or fueling the forklift, depending on whether the engine is battery-powered or gas-powered. Safety information regarding the specific lift truck, such as how to walk safely around the forklift, will be covered.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training would ensure the lift truck driver knows how to use the counterbalanced forklift. This practical training will happen in the same type of environment in which the operator would be working. The driver would train with the same sorts of surrounding buildings and other structures on the same type of terrain, as well as the same pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training Courses
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 an operator needs this training. Then again, for regular operators, refresher training programs must incorporate classroom-style training.