Counterbalance forklift Training
OSHA does require operators using a counterbalanced forklift to have received classroom or lecture style training. They also 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. What's more, there is no frequency mandated for the refresher training either.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced lift truck balances its cargo using 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 individuals who will be operating counterbalanced forklifts on the job be correctly trained on the trucks while being in the kind of setting that they would be utilizing them.
Classroom Training
Training either lecture style or in a classroom would provide lift truck and operator information for the truck you would be operating. Most training will cover several aspects like the load and weight capacity, height, how to charge or fuel the forklift. It includes how to gauge the time on the engine in addition to 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 forklift operator needs to learn how to drive 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 should include the type of terrain she would be traveling on, have the same pedestrian and vehicle traffic close by, and the same surrounding structures close by also. There is no required minimum number of hours the driver has to drive while being supervised.