Counterbalance lift truck Training
The OSHA or Occupational Safety and Health Administration require that anyone utilizing a counterbalanced lift truck receive lecture style or classroom training. They additionally require that a periodic refresher training along with a supervised driving course is completed. There is no required minimum time for the classroom training or supervised driving. As well, there is no frequency mandated for the refresher training either.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The weight of the counterbalance forklift is used to balance its load utilizing its own weight. The forklift forks are in a fixed position but could be lowered and raised to secure and transport loads. The forks run parallel to the body of the forklift. OSHA require that individuals who will be operating counterbalanced forklifts on the job be correctly trained on the trucks while being in the environment which they would be utilizing them.
Classroom Training
Lecture style training or classroom training offers information about the truck which the driver will be utilizing. This training covers aspects like weight and load capacity, height, how to fuel or charge the forklift. It includes 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 forklift operator needs to learn how to drive the counterbalanced lift truck while being supervised. The supervised driving needs to take place in a place which reflects the environment the operator would 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 the same surrounding structures close by as well. There is no specific minimum number of hours the operator needs to drive while being supervised.