Counterbalance Forklift Training
Anybody who utilizes a counterbalanced forklift should receive training, based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies. Training consists of a combination of hands-on driver training and classroom training. Refresher training is required periodically to keep driver skills up to date. OSHA does not specify a minimum time requirement for either the classroom or hands-on training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalance lift truck could balance its load because of a counterbalance built into the truck. Blades can move down and up parallel to the body of the truck. The blades do not rotate. Operators who use counterbalanced lift trucks should receive training about the particular lift trucks they will be utilizing and in the same workplace surroundings.
Classroom Training
The lift truck operator will be taught the basics of the model of forklift they would be using in classroom training. They would learn info about the forklifts particular things like height, weight and load capacity. The driver will learn the basics of charging or fueling the lift truck, depending on whether the engine is battery-powered or gas-powered. Safety procedures regarding the specific forklift, such as how to walk safely around the forklift, would be covered.
Supervised Driving
Driver training will be supervised to make sure that the driver will know how to properly utilize the counterbalance lift truck. This practical training would happen in the same kind of setting wherein the operator will be working. The operator would train on the same kind of terrain with the same kinds of nearby buildings and other structures, as well as the same pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training
Though OSHA requires regular refresher training for counterbalanced forklift drivers, there are no specifications which determine the frequency of refresher training or its contents. Then again, for regular operators, refresher training must comprise classroom-style training.