Counterbalance forklift Training
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration 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 as well as periodic refresher training. There is no required minimum time for the classroom training or supervised driving. In addition, there is no frequency mandated for the refresher training either.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced lift truck balances its cargo using the weight of the truck. 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 forklift's body. OSHA require that individuals who would be operating counterbalanced forklifts on the job be correctly trained on the trucks while being in the environment that they will be utilizing them.
Classroom Training
Classroom training or lecture style training offers information regarding the truck that the operator will be using. This training covers aspects like 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 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 forklift will need to learn to drive the equipment while being supervised. The supervised driving has to take place in an environment which resembles the present environment which the driver works in. This atmosphere should include the type of terrain she would be traveling on, have the same vehicle and pedestrian traffic close by, and similar surrounding structures nearby also. There is no required minimum number of hours the driver needs to drive while being supervised.