Counterbalance forklift Training
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA require that anyone using a counterbalanced lift truck receive lecture style or classroom training. They additionally require that a supervised driving program is completed along with periodic refresher training. There is no required minimum time for the supervised driving or classroom training. Additionally, there is no frequency mandated for the refresher training either.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The weight of the counterbalance forklift is used to balance its cargo utilizing its own weight. The lift truck forks are in a fixed position but can be lowered and raised to secure and move cargo. The forks run parallel to the body of the forklift. OSHA require that drivers who would be utilizing counterbalanced forklifts on the job be properly trained on the trucks while being in the kind of setting which they will be using them.
Classroom Training
Classroom training or lecture style training offers information regarding the truck that the driver will be using. This training covers aspects like weight and load capacity, height, how to fuel or charge the forklift. It includes how to gauge the time on the engine along with any lift truck specific safety information like for example where to stand when walking around the truck. Either written and/or oral testing is part of the classroom training. There is no required minimum time for the training.
Supervised Driving
The lift truck driver needs to learn how to drive the counterbalanced forklift while being supervised. The supervised driving has to take place in a place which reflects the environment the operator will be driving in. This atmosphere should include the type of terrain she will be traveling on, have the same vehicle and pedestrian traffic nearby, and the same surrounding structures close by as well. There is no specific minimum number of hours the driver has to drive while being supervised.