Counterbalance forklift Training
OSHA does require operators using a counterbalanced lift truck to have received lecture style or classroom training. They also require that a supervised driving course is completed along with periodic refresher training. There is no minimum time requirement for the supervised driving or classroom training. Moreover, there is no frequency mandated for the refresher training either.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalanced lift truck's weight is used to balance its load utilizing its own weight. The lift truck forks are in a fixed position but could be lowered and raised to secure and move loads. The forks run parallel to the body of the forklift. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration require that people who would be utilizing 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 provides information regarding the truck that the driver would be driving. This training includes aspects like weight and load capacity, height, how to charge or fuel the forklift. It covers how to gauge the time on the engine along with any forklift specific safety information like for instance 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 existing 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 nearby, and the same surrounding structures close by too. There is no required minimum number of hours the driver has to drive while being supervised.