Counterbalance Forklift Training
Anybody who uses a counterbalanced forklift should receive training, according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations. Training covers a combination of classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is required periodically in order to keep operator 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 is able to balance its load due to a counterbalance built into the truck. Tines can move down and up parallel to the body of the truck. The tines do not pivot. Drivers who use counterbalanced forklifts should receive training about the specific forklifts they would be driving and in the same workplace surroundings.
Classroom Training
In classroom training, the lift truck operator will learn about the model he or she will be driving. Information includes specifications like height, weight and load capacity. The driver would learn the basics of charging or fueling the lift truck, depending on whether it is a battery-powered or gas-powered engine. Safety information regarding the specific truck, like for instance how to walk safely around the lift truck, will be included.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training would make sure that the lift truck operator knows how to drive the counterbalanced lift truck. This practical training would occur in the same kind of environment in which the driver will be working. The driver would train on the same kind of terrain with the same sorts of nearby buildings and other structures, as well as similar pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training
Counterbalance forklift operators are required by OSHA to take a periodic refresher training course. Nonetheless, there are no specifications as to the frequency at which an operator needs this training. Then again, for regular operators, refresher training programs should incorporate classroom-style training.