Counterbalance lift truck Training
OSHA does require operators using a counterbalanced forklift to have received lecture style or classroom training. They additionally require that a supervised driving program is finished as well as 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
A counterbalanced lift truck balances its load using the truck's weight. 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 forklift's body. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration require that individuals who will be operating counterbalanced forklifts on the job be trained on the trucks while being in the environment that they would be utilizing them.
Classroom Training
Lecture style training or classroom training provides information regarding the truck which the driver will be driving. This training includes aspects like load and weight capacity, height, how to charge or fuel the lift truck. It includes how to gauge the time on the engine in addition to any forklift 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 required minimum time for the training.
Supervised Driving
The forklift driver has to learn how to use 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 would be traveling on, have similar pedestrian and vehicle traffic nearby, and the same surrounding structures nearby also. There is no required minimum number of hours the operator needs to drive while being supervised.