Counterbalance lift truck Training
The OSHA or Occupational Safety and Health Administration require that anybody operating a counterbalanced lift truck be given lecture style or classroom training. They also require that a supervised driving course is completed along with periodic refresher training. There is no required minimum time for the classroom training or supervised driving. Also, there is no frequency mandated for the refresher training either.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalanced lift truck's weight is used to balance its load utilizing its own weight. The lift truck forks are in a fixed position but can be lowered and raised to secure and transport cargo. The forks run parallel to the forklift's body. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration require that individuals who will be using counterbalanced forklifts on the job be trained on the trucks while being in the environment which they will be utilizing them.
Classroom Training
Training either in a classroom or lecture style would offer lift truck and operator information for the truck you will be using. Most training will include several aspects such as the load and weight capacity, height, how to charge or fuel the forklift. It covers how to gauge the time on the engine in addition to any lift truck 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 required minimum time for the training.
Supervised Driving
The operator of a lift truck will have to learn to use the equipment while being supervised. The supervised driving needs to take place in an environment that resembles the existing environment that the driver works in. This atmosphere must include the type of terrain she would be traveling on, have similar pedestrian and vehicle traffic close by, and similar surrounding structures nearby too. There is no specific minimum number of hours the driver has to drive while being supervised.