Counterbalance Forklift Training Programs
Based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anyone who operates a counterbalanced forklift should have training. Training for these types of industrial machinery comprises both hands-on driver training and classroom training. Refresher training is needed occasionally so as to keep driver skills up to date. OSHA does not specify a minimum time requirement for either the hands-on or classroom training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalance lift truck could balance its cargo because of a counterbalance built into the truck. Tines can move down and up parallel to the body of the truck. The blades do not pivot. Operators who use counterbalanced lift trucks should have training on the particular trucks they would be driving and in the same workplace surroundings.
Classroom Training
The forklift operator will learn the basics of the model of lift truck they would be utilizing in classroom training. They would learn info regarding the forklifts particular things like load, height and weight capacity. The operator would be taught the basics of charging or fueling the lift truck, which depends on whether the engine is gas-powered or battery-powered. Safety measures pertaining to the specific lift truck, such as how to safely walk around the lift truck, would be included.
Supervised Driving
Driver training will be supervised to ensure that the operator will know how to correctly utilize the counterbalance forklift. This practical training course would occur in the same kind of environment wherein the operator will be working. The operator will train on the same type of terrain with the same kinds of nearby buildings and other structures, as well as the same pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training
Counterbalance forklift operators are required by OSHA to take a periodic refresher training program. Nonetheless, there are no specifications as to the frequency at which a driver needs this training. Then again, for regular drivers, refresher training programs must include classroom-style training.