Counterbalance Forklift Training
Anybody who utilizes a counterbalanced forklift should receive training, based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations. Training includes a combination of hands-on driver training and classroom training. Refresher training is required occasionally 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 cargo utilizing a counterbalance built into the truck. The blades move down and up parallel to the truck's body. The forks do not pivot. Operators driving counterbalanced lift trucks must receive training on the particular trucks they would be operating and in a similar workplace environment.
Classroom Training
In classroom training, the lift truck operator would learn about the model he or she will be utilizing. Information consists of specifications like weight, load and height capacity. The operator will be taught the basics of fueling or charging the lift truck, which depends on whether it is a gas-powered or battery-powered engine. Safety information pertaining to the particular lift truck, like how to safely walk around the lift truck, would be included.
Supervised Driving
Driver training would be supervised to make sure that the operator will know how to properly drive the counterbalance lift truck. This practical training course will take place in the same kind of setting wherein the operator will be working. The driver would train with the same kinds of nearby buildings and other structures on the same kind of terrain, as well as the same pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training
Although OSHA requires periodic refresher training for counterbalanced lift truck drivers, there are no specifications determining the frequency of refresher training or its contents. However, for regular operators, refresher training must consist of classroom-style training.