Counterbalance forklift Training
OSHA does require drivers using a counterbalanced lift truck to have received classroom or lecture style training. They additionally require that a periodic refresher training as well as 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 forklift balances its load with the weight of the truck. The forks on a lift truck are in a fixed position; they go up and down and do not pivot. The forks run parallel to the forklift's body. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration require that people who will be operating counterbalanced forklifts on the job be trained on the trucks while being in the environment which they will be using them.
Classroom Training
Classroom training or lecture style training offers information regarding the truck that the driver would be utilizing. This training includes aspects such as load and weight capacity, height, how to fuel or charge the lift truck. It covers how to gauge the time on the engine in addition to 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 required minimum time for the training.
Supervised Driving
The operator of a lift truck will need to learn to use the equipment while being supervised. The supervised driving has to take place in an environment which resembles the current environment that the driver works in. This atmosphere must include the kind of terrain she will be traveling on, have the same vehicle and pedestrian traffic close by, and the same surrounding structures nearby as well. There is no required minimum number of hours the operator needs to drive while being supervised.