Counterbalance Forklift Training
Anyone who utilizes a counterbalanced forklift is required to receive training, based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies. Training includes a combination of classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is required occasionally to keep operator skills up to date. OSHA does not specify a required minimum time for either the classroom or hands-on training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalance forklift could balance its load because of a counterbalance built into the truck. Forks can move down and up parallel to the body of the truck. The forks do not rotate. Operators who drive counterbalanced forklifts should have training on the particular trucks they will be operating and in a similar workplace surroundings.
Classroom Training
In classroom training, the lift truck driver will be taught about the model she or he would be driving. Information consists of specifications such as weight, load and height capacity. The operator would be taught the basics of charging or fueling the forklift, that depends on whether it is a battery-powered or gas-powered engine. Safety procedures pertaining to the specific forklift, like for instance how to walk safely around the forklift, will be included.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training would make sure that the lift truck operator knows how to operate the counterbalanced lift truck. This practical training program will happen in the same type of setting wherein the operator would be working. The operator would train with the same sorts of surrounding buildings and other structures on the same kind of terrain, 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 determining the frequency of refresher training or its contents. Then again, for regular drivers, refresher training should comprise classroom-style training.