Counterbalance forklift Training
OSHA does require operators utilizing a counterbalanced forklift to have received classroom or lecture style training. They additionally require that a supervised driving course 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
A counterbalanced forklift balances its load utilizing the truck's weight. The forks on a lift truck are in a fixed position; they go up and down and do not pivot. The forks run parallel to the body of the forklift. OSHA require that drivers who would be using counterbalanced forklifts on the job be trained on the trucks while being in the kind of environment which they would be using them.
Classroom Training
Classroom training or lecture style training provides information about the truck which the driver would be utilizing. This training covers aspects such as weight and load capacity, height, how to fuel or charge the forklift. It covers how to gauge the time on the engine in addition to 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 driver of a forklift will have to learn to utilize the machine while being supervised. The supervised driving needs to take place in an environment which resembles the current environment which the operator works in. This atmosphere should include the type of terrain she will be traveling on, have similar pedestrian and vehicle traffic close by, and similar surrounding structures nearby also. There is no specific minimum number of hours the driver has to drive while being supervised.