Counterbalance Forklift Training Courses
Anybody who operates a counterbalanced lift truck should have training, based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies. Training consists of a combination of hands-on driver training and classroom training. Refresher training is needed occasionally in order to keep operator skills up to date. OSHA does not specify a required minimum time for either the hands-on or classroom training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalance forklift is able to balance its cargo due to a counterbalance built into the truck. Forks can move up and down parallel to the truck's body. The forks do not pivot. Drivers who utilize counterbalanced lift trucks must have training about the particular forklifts they will be utilizing and in the same workplace surroundings.
Classroom Training Courses
The lift truck operator will be taught the basics of the model of forklift they will be utilizing in classroom training. They would learn info regarding the lift trucks specific things like load, height and weight capacity. The operator will be taught the basics of fueling or charging the forklift, that depends on whether it is a gas-powered or battery-powered engine. Safety procedures pertaining to the particular lift truck, such as how to walk safely around the lift truck, would be covered.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training will make sure that the lift truck operator knows how to operate the counterbalanced forklift. This practical training would take place in the same type of setting in which the driver would be working. The driver would train on the same type of terrain with the same types of surrounding buildings and other structures, as well as similar pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training
Counterbalance lift truck operators are required by OSHA to take a regular refresher training course. However, there are no specifications as to the frequency at which an operator requires this training. Then again, for regular drivers, refresher training must comprise classroom-style training.