Counterbalance forklift Training
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA require that anybody utilizing 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 classroom training or supervised driving. Furthermore, 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 could 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 that they will be utilizing them.
Classroom Training
Training either in a classroom or lecture style will offer forklift and operator information for the truck you would be driving. Most training would include certain aspects such as the weight and load capacity, height, how to fuel or charge the lift truck. 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 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 utilize the counterbalanced forklift while being supervised. The supervised driving needs to take place in an area that reflects the environment the driver would be driving in. This atmosphere must include the type of terrain she would be traveling on, have the same vehicle and pedestrian traffic close by, and the same surrounding structures close by too. There is no required minimum number of hours the driver has to drive while being supervised.