Counterbalance forklift Training
OSHA does require drivers utilizing a counterbalanced forklift to have received classroom or lecture style training. They also require that a supervised driving program is completed in addition to periodic refresher training. There is no minimum time requirement for the supervised driving or classroom training. Also, there is no frequency mandated for the refresher training either.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced forklift balances its load utilizing the truck's weight. 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 body of the forklift. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration require that drivers who would be utilizing counterbalanced forklifts on the job be correctly trained on the trucks while being in the kind of environment which they will be using them.
Classroom Training
Lecture style training or classroom training provides information regarding the truck that the operator would be using. This training includes aspects such as load and weight capacity, height, how to fuel or charge the lift truck. It covers how to gauge the time on the engine along with any lift truck specific safety information like for example 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 lift truck operator has to learn how to use the counterbalanced lift truck while being supervised. The supervised driving has to take place in an area which reflects the environment the driver would be driving in. This atmosphere should include the kind of terrain she would be traveling on, have the same pedestrian and vehicle traffic close by, and similar surrounding structures close by also. There is no specific minimum number of hours the driver has to drive while being supervised.