Counterbalance lift truck Training
The OSHA or Occupational Safety and Health Administration require that anybody using a counterbalanced forklift receive lecture style or classroom training. They also require that a periodic refresher training as well as a supervised driving course is completed. There is no minimum time requirement for the classroom training or supervised driving. Moreover, there is no frequency mandated for the refresher training either.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The weight of the counterbalance forklift is used to balance its cargo utilizing its own weight. The forklift forks are in a fixed position but could be raised and lowered to secure and move loads. The forks run parallel to the forklift's body. OSHA require that people who will be using counterbalanced forklifts on the job be properly trained on the trucks while being in the kind of environment that they will be utilizing them.
Classroom Training
Lecture style training or classroom training provides information regarding the truck which the operator will be using. This training covers aspects like weight and load capacity, height, how to charge or fuel the forklift. It includes how to gauge the time on the engine as well as any lift truck specific safety information like 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 lift truck driver needs to learn how to utilize the counterbalanced forklift while being supervised. The supervised driving needs to take place in a place that reflects the environment the driver would be driving in. This atmosphere should include the type of terrain she will be traveling on, have similar surrounding structures close by, and the same pedestrian and vehicle traffic nearby as well. There is no required minimum number of hours the operator needs to drive while being supervised.