Counterbalance lift truck Training
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA require that anyone operating a counterbalanced forklift receive classroom or lecture style training. They also require that a periodic refresher training in addition to a supervised driving program is completed. There is no required minimum time for the supervised driving or classroom training. What's more, there is no frequency mandated for the refresher training either.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The weight of the counterbalance forklift is used to balance its cargo using its own weight. The forklift forks are in a fixed position but can be raised and lowered to secure and transport loads. The forks run parallel to the forklift's body. OSHA require that individuals who will be operating counterbalanced forklifts on the job be correctly trained on the trucks while being in the environment which they will be utilizing them.
Classroom Training
Training either lecture style or in a classroom will provide lift truck and operator information for the truck you will be using. Most training will cover several aspects like the load and weight capacity, height, how to charge or fuel the forklift. It covers how to gauge the time on the engine as well as any forklift specific safety information including where to stand when walking around the truck. Either oral and/or written testing is part of the classroom training. There is no minimum time requirement for the training.
Supervised Driving
The operator of a lift truck will need to learn to operate the machinery while being supervised. The supervised driving needs to take place in an environment that resembles the current environment that the driver works in. This atmosphere must include the type of terrain she would be traveling on, have the same surrounding structures nearby, and similar vehicle and pedestrian traffic nearby too. There is no required minimum number of hours the operator needs to drive while being supervised.