Counterbalance forklift Training
OSHA does require operators using a counterbalanced lift truck to have received lecture style or classroom training. They additionally require that a periodic refresher training along with a supervised driving program is finished. There is no minimum time requirement for the supervised driving or classroom training. What's more, there is no frequency mandated for the refresher training either.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced lift truck balances its load using the weight of the truck. The forks on a lift truck are in a fixed position; they go down and up and do not pivot. The forks run parallel to the body of the forklift. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration require that people who would be using counterbalanced forklifts on the job be trained on the trucks while being in the kind of environment that they will be using them.
Classroom Training
Classroom training or lecture style training offers information about the truck which the operator will be using. This training covers aspects like load and weight capacity, height, how to fuel or charge the lift truck. It includes how to gauge the time on the engine as well as any forklift specific safety information like where to stand when walking around the truck. Either written and/or oral testing is part of the classroom training. There is no minimum time requirement for the training.
Supervised Driving
The lift truck driver has to learn how to utilize the counterbalanced forklift while being supervised. The supervised driving needs to take place in a place which reflects the environment the operator would be driving in. This atmosphere should include the kind of terrain she would be traveling on, have similar pedestrian and vehicle traffic nearby, and the same surrounding structures close by also. There is no specific minimum number of hours the operator needs to drive while being supervised.