Counterbalance Forklift Training Programs
Anyone who uses a counterbalanced lift truck is required to receive training, based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations. Training covers a combination of classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is required occasionally so as to keep operator skills up to date. OSHA does not indicate a required minimum time for either the classroom or hands-on training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalance lift truck could balance its load thanks to a counterbalance built into the truck. Tines can move down and up parallel to the truck's body. The tines do not rotate. Drivers who use counterbalanced forklifts must have training about the particular forklifts they will be using and in the same workplace environment.
Classroom Training
The lift truck driver would learn the basics of the model of forklift they would be utilizing in classroom training. They would learn info regarding the forklifts specific things like load, height and weight capacity. The operator would learn the basics of fueling or charging the forklift, which depends on whether the engine is gas-powered or battery-powered. Safety information regarding the particular truck, like for instance how to walk safely around the lift truck, will be covered.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training will make certain that the forklift operator knows how to use the counterbalanced lift truck. This practical training will happen in the same type of environment in which the operator will be working. The operator would train on the same kind of terrain with the same types of surrounding buildings and other structures, as well as the same vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Refresher Training Courses
Counterbalance lift truck drivers are required by OSHA to take a regular refresher training program. However, there are no specifications as to the frequency at which a driver needs this training. Then again, for regular operators, refresher training needs to comprise classroom-style training.