Counterbalance Forklift Training Programs
Anybody who operates a counterbalanced lift truck must have training, based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies. Training consists of a combination of classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is needed occasionally to keep driver skills up to date. OSHA does not specify a required minimum time for either the classroom or hands-on training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalance lift truck could balance its cargo due to a counterbalance built into the truck. Forks could move down and up parallel to the body of the truck. The blades do not pivot. Operators who drive counterbalanced forklifts should have training about the particular lift trucks they would be operating and in the same workplace environment.
Classroom Training Programs
The lift truck driver will learn the basics of the model of lift truck they will be using in classroom training. They will learn info about the lift trucks specific things like weight, load and height capacity. The operator would be taught the basics of fueling or charging the lift truck, that depends on whether the engine is battery-powered or gas-powered. Safety measures pertaining to the particular truck, like how to safely walk around the lift truck, will be included.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training would make certain that the forklift operator knows how to operate the counterbalanced lift truck. This practical training program will happen in the same kind of setting in which the driver will be working. The operator would train on the same type of terrain with the same types of nearby buildings and other structures, as well as the same pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training
Although OSHA requires periodic refresher training for counterbalanced forklift operators, there are no specifications which determine the frequency of refresher training or its contents. However, for regular operators, refresher training courses has to incorporate classroom-style training.