Counterbalance lift truck Training
OSHA does require operators using a counterbalanced forklift to have received classroom or lecture style training. They additionally require that a periodic refresher training in addition to a supervised driving program is completed. 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
A counterbalanced lift truck balances its load utilizing the weight of the truck. The forks on a lift truck are in a fixed position; they go up and down and do not turn. The forks run parallel to the body of the forklift. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration require that drivers who would be utilizing counterbalanced forklifts on the job be properly trained on the trucks while being in the environment that they will be using them.
Classroom Training
Training either in a classroom or lecture style would offer forklift and driver information for the truck you would be driving. Most training would cover certain aspects such as the weight and load capacity, height, how to fuel or charge the lift truck. It includes how to gauge the time on the engine along with any forklift specific safety information like for instance where to stand when walking around the truck. Either oral and/or written testing is part of the classroom training. There is no minimum time requirement for the training.
Supervised Driving
The forklift operator needs to learn how to drive the counterbalanced lift truck while being supervised. The supervised driving needs to take place in an area which reflects the environment the operator would be driving in. This atmosphere should include the type of terrain she will be traveling on, have the same pedestrian and vehicle traffic close by, and the same surrounding structures nearby too. There is no specific minimum number of hours the operator has to drive while being supervised.