Counterbalance forklift Training
The OSHA or Occupational Safety and Health Administration require that anyone utilizing a counterbalanced lift truck receive classroom or lecture style training. They also require that a supervised driving program is completed along with periodic refresher training. There is no minimum time requirement for the classroom training or supervised driving. As well, there is no frequency mandated for the refresher training either.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalanced lift truck's weight is used to balance its cargo utilizing its own weight. The lift truck forks are in a fixed position but can be raised and lowered to secure and transport cargo. The forks run parallel to the forklift's body. OSHA require that drivers who would be using counterbalanced forklifts on the job be trained on the trucks while being in the environment that they will be using them.
Classroom Training
Training either lecture style or in a classroom would provide lift truck and operator information for the truck you will be utilizing. Most training will include certain aspects like the weight and load capacity, height, how to fuel or charge the forklift. It covers how to gauge the time on the engine in addition to any lift truck specific safety information including 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 forklift driver has to learn how to utilize the counterbalanced lift truck while being supervised. The supervised driving has to take place in an area that reflects the environment the driver would be driving in. This atmosphere should include the kind of terrain she will be traveling on, have similar surrounding structures close by, and similar vehicle and pedestrian traffic nearby as well. There is no specific minimum number of hours the driver needs to drive while being supervised.