Counterbalance Forklift Training
Based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anybody who utilizes a counterbalanced lift truck must have training. Training for these types of industrial equipment consists of both classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is required periodically so as to keep driver skills up to date. OSHA does not specify a required minimum time for either the hands-on or classroom training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced forklift balances its cargo with a counterbalance built into the truck. The tines move down and up parallel to the truck's body. The forks do not pivot. Drivers who use counterbalanced lift trucks must receive training on the specific trucks they will be driving and in a similar workplace environment.
Classroom Training
The lift truck operator would learn the basics of the model of forklift they would be using in classroom training. They would learn info regarding the forklifts specific things such as load, height and weight capacity. The driver would learn the basics of charging or fueling the lift truck, depending on whether the engine is battery-powered or gas-powered. Safety procedures pertaining to the particular forklift, like for example how to walk safely around the forklift, would be included.
Supervised Driving
Driver training would be supervised to make certain that the driver would know how to properly utilize the counterbalance lift. This practical training would occur in the same type of environment wherein the operator 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 vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Refresher Training
Though OSHA requires regular refresher training for counterbalanced lift truck drivers, there are no specifications which determine the frequency of refresher training or its contents. Then again, for regular drivers, refresher training should incorporate classroom-style training.