Counterbalance lift truck Training
OSHA does require operators using a counterbalanced lift truck to have received classroom or lecture style training. They additionally require that a periodic refresher training along with a supervised driving course is finished. There is no required minimum time for the supervised driving or classroom training. 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 load using its own weight. The lift truck forks are in a fixed position but can be raised and lowered to secure and move loads. The forks run parallel to the body of the forklift. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration require that drivers who will be utilizing counterbalanced forklifts on the job be trained on the trucks while being in the kind of setting which they will be utilizing them.
Classroom Training
Classroom training or lecture style training offers information about the truck which the operator will be driving. This training includes aspects like weight and load capacity, height, how to charge or fuel the forklift. 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 operator has to learn how to operate the counterbalanced forklift while being supervised. The supervised driving has to take place in an area which reflects the environment the driver would be driving in. This atmosphere must include the type of terrain she will be traveling on, have similar pedestrian and vehicle traffic nearby, and the same surrounding structures nearby as well. There is no required minimum number of hours the driver needs to drive while being supervised.