Counterbalance Forklift Training Courses
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anybody who operates a counterbalanced forklift is required to receive training. Training for these types of industrial equipment consists of 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 hands-on or classroom training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced forklift balances its load using a counterbalance built into the truck. The blades move up and down parallel to the truck's body. The blades do not pivot. Operators who drive counterbalanced forklifts should receive training about the specific lift trucks they would be operating and in a similar workplace environment.
Classroom Training Courses
The forklift operator would learn the basics of the model of forklift they will be using in classroom training. They would learn info about the forklifts specific things like weight, load and height capacity. The driver would learn the basics of fueling or charging the lift truck, that depends on whether the engine is gas-powered or battery-powered. Safety measures regarding the specific forklift, like how to safely walk around the forklift, will be included.
Supervised Driving
Driver training will be supervised to ensure that the operator will know how to properly operate the counterbalance forklift. This practical training program would happen in the same type of environment wherein the driver will be working. The driver would train with the same kinds of nearby buildings and other structures on the same type of terrain, as well as similar pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training Courses
Although OSHA requires regular refresher training for counterbalanced forklift drivers, there are no specifications determining the frequency of refresher training or its contents. However, for regular operators, refresher training programs should incorporate classroom-style training.