Counterbalance lift truck Training
OSHA does require operators utilizing a counterbalanced forklift to have received classroom or lecture style training. They additionally require that a supervised driving course is finished in addition to periodic refresher training. There is no minimum time requirement for the classroom training or supervised driving. Also, there is no frequency mandated for the refresher training either.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced forklift balances its cargo utilizing the weight of the truck. The forks on a lift truck are in a fixed position; they go up and down and do not turn. The forks run parallel to the forklift's body. OSHA require that individuals who will be using counterbalanced forklifts on the job be trained on the trucks while being in the kind of environment that they would be utilizing them.
Classroom Training
Lecture style training or classroom training offers information regarding the truck which the driver would be using. This training covers aspects such as weight and load 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 minimum time requirement for the training.
Supervised Driving
The driver of a forklift would have to learn to drive the machinery while being supervised. The supervised driving needs to take place in an environment which resembles the existing environment which the driver works in. This atmosphere should include the type of terrain she will be traveling on, have similar pedestrian and vehicle traffic nearby, and the same surrounding structures close by too. There is no specific minimum number of hours the operator has to drive while being supervised.