Counterbalance lift truck Training
OSHA does require drivers using a counterbalanced forklift to have received lecture style or classroom training. They also require that a supervised driving program is finished as well as periodic refresher training. There is no required minimum time for the supervised driving or classroom training. As well, there is no frequency mandated for the refresher training either.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced lift truck balances its cargo with the truck's weight. The forks on a lift truck are in a fixed position; they go down and up and do not pivot. The forks run parallel to the body of the forklift. OSHA require that people who would be utilizing counterbalanced forklifts on the job be correctly trained on the trucks while being in the environment which they would be using them.
Classroom Training
Training either lecture style or in a classroom will offer forklift and operator information for the truck you would be driving. Most training will include several aspects like the weight and load capacity, height, how to charge or fuel 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 minimum time requirement for the training.
Supervised Driving
The forklift operator has to learn how to drive the counterbalanced forklift while being supervised. The supervised driving needs to take place in a place which reflects the environment the driver will be driving in. This atmosphere should include the type of terrain she will be traveling on, have similar surrounding structures nearby, and similar vehicle and pedestrian traffic nearby as well. There is no required minimum number of hours the operator needs to drive while being supervised.