Counterbalance forklift Training
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA require that anybody utilizing a counterbalanced lift truck receive lecture style or classroom training. They also require that a supervised driving course is completed 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
The counterbalanced forklift's weight is utilized to balance its cargo using its own weight. The lift truck forks are in a fixed position but could be raised and lowered to secure and move cargo. The forks run parallel to the body of the forklift. OSHA require that drivers who will be using counterbalanced forklifts on the job be correctly trained on the trucks while being in the environment which they would be using them.
Classroom Training
Training either in a classroom or lecture style would offer forklift and driver information for the truck you will be operating. Most training would cover several aspects like the weight and load capacity, height, how to charge or fuel the lift truck. It covers how to gauge the time on the engine in addition to any forklift specific safety information like for example where to stand when walking around the truck. Either oral and/or written testing is part of the classroom training. There is no minimum time requirement for the training.
Supervised Driving
The driver of a lift truck will need to learn to utilize the equipment while being supervised. The supervised driving needs to take place in an environment that resembles the existing environment that the operator works in. This atmosphere should include the kind of terrain she will be traveling on, have similar vehicle and pedestrian traffic nearby, and the same surrounding structures close by also. There is no specific minimum number of hours the driver needs to drive while being supervised.