Counterbalance Forklift Training
Based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anybody who operates a counterbalanced forklift should have training. Training for these kinds of industrial vehicles consists of both classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is required occasionally so as to keep driver skills up to date. OSHA does not indicate a minimum time requirement for either the hands-on or classroom training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced forklift balances its load utilizing a counterbalance built into the truck. The forks move up and down parallel to the truck's body. The forks do not rotate. Operators driving counterbalanced forklifts should have training on the specific trucks they will be using and in the same workplace environment.
Classroom Training
The forklift operator would be taught the basics of the model of forklift they would be utilizing in classroom training. They would learn info about the forklifts specific things such as height, weight and load capacity. The operator will learn the basics of fueling or charging the forklift, depending on whether it is a gas-powered or battery-powered engine. Safety measures regarding the specific lift truck, such as how to safely walk around the forklift, will be included.
Supervised Driving
Driver training would be supervised to make sure that the driver would know how to correctly use the counterbalance forklift. This practical training course will happen in the same kind of environment in which the driver will be working. The operator will train on the same type of terrain with the same types of nearby buildings and other structures, as well as the same pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training
Though OSHA requires periodic refresher training for counterbalanced forklift operators, there are no specifications that determine the frequency of refresher training or its contents. Then again, for regular drivers, refresher training has to incorporate classroom-style training.