Counterbalance lift truck Training
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration does require drivers using a counterbalanced lift truck to have received classroom or lecture style training. They additionally require that a supervised driving program is completed along with periodic refresher training. There is no minimum time requirement for the classroom training or supervised driving. What's more, there is no frequency mandated for the refresher training either.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalanced lift truck's weight is used to balance its cargo using its own weight. The lift truck forks are in a fixed position but can be raised and lowered to secure and move cargo. The forks run parallel to the forklift's body. OSHA require that individuals who will be utilizing counterbalanced forklifts on the job be properly trained on the trucks while being in the environment which they will be using them.
Classroom Training
Lecture style training or classroom training provides information about the truck that the operator would be utilizing. This training covers aspects like weight and load capacity, height, how to fuel or charge the forklift. It covers how to gauge the time on the engine in addition to any lift truck specific safety information like for example 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 forklift would need to learn to operate the machine while being supervised. The supervised driving has to take place in an environment that resembles the current environment which the driver works in. This atmosphere must include the type of terrain she would be traveling on, have the same pedestrian and vehicle traffic close by, and the same surrounding structures nearby also. There is no specific minimum number of hours the driver has to drive while being supervised.