Counterbalance lift truck Training
OSHA does require drivers using 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. Additionally, there is no frequency mandated for the refresher training either.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalanced lift truck's weight is used to balance its cargo utilizing its own weight. The forklift forks are in a fixed position but could be lowered and raised to secure and transport loads. The forks run parallel to the forklift's body. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration require that individuals who will be using counterbalanced forklifts on the job be correctly trained on the trucks while being in the kind of environment that they would be utilizing them.
Classroom Training
Training either in a classroom or lecture style would offer lift truck and driver information for the truck you would be using. Most training would cover certain aspects like the weight and load capacity, height, how to fuel or charge the forklift. It covers how to gauge the time on the engine along with any lift truck specific safety information including 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 lift truck would need to learn to drive the machine while being supervised. The supervised driving needs to take place in an environment which resembles the existing environment that the driver works in. This atmosphere should include the type of terrain she will be traveling on, have similar surrounding structures nearby, and the same vehicle and pedestrian traffic nearby also. There is no specific minimum number of hours the operator has to drive while being supervised.