Counterbalance forklift Training
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA require that anyone utilizing a counterbalanced forklift receive classroom or lecture style training. They also require that a supervised driving program is completed as well as periodic refresher training. There is no required minimum time for the classroom training or supervised driving. Additionally, there is no frequency mandated for the refresher training either.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalanced forklift's weight is used to balance its cargo using its own weight. The forklift forks are in a fixed position but can be lowered and raised to secure and move cargo. The forks run parallel to the forklift's body. OSHA require that individuals who would be operating counterbalanced forklifts on the job be trained on the trucks while being in the environment which they would be using them.
Classroom Training
Lecture style training or classroom training offers information regarding the truck which the driver would be driving. This training includes aspects such as load and weight 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 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 driver of a lift truck would need to learn to use the equipment while being supervised. The supervised driving needs to take place in an environment that resembles the current environment which the driver works in. This atmosphere should include the kind of terrain she will be traveling on, have similar surrounding structures close by, and the same pedestrian and vehicle traffic close by also. There is no required minimum number of hours the driver needs to drive while being supervised.