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