Counterbalance forklift Training
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration does require operators using a counterbalanced lift truck to have received classroom or lecture style training. They also require that a supervised driving program is finished along with periodic refresher training. There is no required minimum time for the classroom training or supervised driving. Additionally, there is no frequency mandated for the refresher training either.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalanced forklift's weight is used to balance its cargo using its own weight. The forklift forks are in a fixed position but could 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 would be using counterbalanced forklifts on the job be correctly trained on the trucks while being in the environment that they would be utilizing them.
Classroom Training
Training either in a classroom or lecture style would provide forklift and driver information for the truck you would be utilizing. Most training will cover certain aspects like the weight and load capacity, height, how to charge or fuel the forklift. It covers how to gauge the time on the engine along with any forklift 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 minimum time requirement for the training.
Supervised Driving
The driver of a lift truck would need to learn to utilize the machine while being supervised. The supervised driving needs to take place in an environment which resembles the current environment that the operator works in. This atmosphere should include the type of terrain she would be traveling on, have similar vehicle and pedestrian traffic close by, and the same surrounding structures close by as well. There is no required minimum number of hours the driver needs to drive while being supervised.