Counterbalance lift truck Training
OSHA does require operators utilizing a counterbalanced forklift to have received classroom or lecture style training. They additionally require that a supervised driving program is completed as well as periodic refresher training. There is no required minimum time for the supervised driving or classroom training. In addition, there is no frequency mandated for the refresher training either.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced lift truck balances its load utilizing the weight of the truck. 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 forklift's body. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration require that individuals who would be operating counterbalanced forklifts on the job be correctly trained on the trucks while being in the environment which they would be using them.
Classroom Training
Lecture style training or classroom training offers information regarding the truck that the driver will be driving. This training includes aspects like load and weight 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 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 lift truck operator has to learn how to drive the counterbalanced forklift while being supervised. The supervised driving has to take place in an area that reflects the environment the operator would be driving in. This atmosphere should include the kind of terrain she will be traveling on, have similar surrounding structures nearby, and the same vehicle and pedestrian traffic close by also. There is no required minimum number of hours the operator needs to drive while being supervised.