Counterbalance lift truck Training
OSHA does require drivers using a counterbalanced lift truck to have received lecture style or classroom training. They additionally require that a supervised driving program is finished in addition to periodic refresher training. There is no minimum time requirement for the supervised driving or classroom training. In addition, there is no frequency mandated for the refresher training either.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalanced forklift'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 move cargo. The forks run parallel to the body of the forklift. OSHA require that individuals who would be operating counterbalanced forklifts on the job be correctly trained on the trucks while being in the environment which they will be using them.
Classroom Training
Classroom training or lecture style training offers information about the truck that the driver will be utilizing. This training covers aspects such as load and weight capacity, height, how to fuel or charge the forklift. It includes how to gauge the time on the engine as well as any forklift 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 minimum time requirement for the training.
Supervised Driving
The lift truck operator has to learn how to use the counterbalanced lift truck while being supervised. The supervised driving has 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 surrounding structures close by, and similar vehicle and pedestrian traffic nearby also. There is no required minimum number of hours the driver has to drive while being supervised.