Counterbalance lift truck Training
OSHA does require drivers using a counterbalanced forklift to have received lecture style or classroom training. They also require that a supervised driving program is completed along with periodic refresher training. There is no minimum time requirement for the supervised driving or classroom training. In addition, there is no frequency mandated for the refresher training either.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced lift truck balances its load utilizing the truck's weight. The forks on a lift truck are in a fixed position; they go down and up and do not turn. The forks run parallel to the body of the forklift. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration require that people who will be operating counterbalanced forklifts on the job be properly trained on the trucks while being in the kind of setting which they will be using them.
Classroom Training
Lecture style training or classroom training offers information about the truck which the driver will be using. This training covers aspects such as load and weight capacity, height, how to fuel or charge the lift truck. It includes how to gauge the time on the engine in addition to any lift truck specific safety information like for example 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 forklift will need to learn to use the equipment while being supervised. The supervised driving needs to take place in an environment that resembles the current environment that the operator works in. This atmosphere must include the type of terrain she will be traveling on, have similar vehicle and pedestrian traffic close by, and similar surrounding structures close by as well. There is no specific minimum number of hours the driver has to drive while being supervised.