Counterbalance lift truck Training
The OSHA or Occupational Safety and Health Administration require that anybody utilizing a counterbalanced lift truck receive lecture style or classroom training. They also require that a supervised driving program is completed along with periodic refresher training. There is no required minimum time for the supervised driving or classroom training. What's more, there is no frequency mandated for the refresher training either.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The weight of the counterbalance forklift is utilized to balance its cargo using its own weight. The lift truck forks are in a fixed position but could be lowered and raised to secure and move loads. The forks run parallel to the forklift's body. OSHA require that people who will be utilizing counterbalanced forklifts on the job be properly trained on the trucks while being in the environment that they will be using them.
Classroom Training
Training either in a classroom or lecture style would provide forklift and operator information for the truck you will be operating. Most training will cover certain aspects such as the weight and load capacity, height, how to fuel or charge the lift truck. It includes how to gauge the time on the engine along with any lift truck specific safety information including where to stand when walking around the truck. Either oral and/or written testing is part of the classroom training. There is no required minimum time for the training.
Supervised Driving
The lift truck driver needs to learn how to utilize the counterbalanced forklift while being supervised. The supervised driving has to take place in a place that reflects the environment the operator 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 similar surrounding structures nearby also. There is no required minimum number of hours the operator needs to drive while being supervised.