Counterbalance lift truck Training
The OSHA or Occupational Safety and Health Administration require that anybody using a counterbalanced lift truck receive classroom or lecture style training. They also require that a periodic refresher training along with a supervised driving course is finished. There is no required minimum time for the supervised driving or classroom training. Furthermore, there is no frequency mandated for the refresher training either.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The weight of the counterbalance forklift is used to balance its cargo utilizing its own weight. The forklift forks are in a fixed position but could be raised and lowered to secure and transport cargo. The forks run parallel to the forklift's body. OSHA require that people who would be using counterbalanced forklifts on the job be trained on the trucks while being in the environment which they will be using them.
Classroom Training
Training either in a classroom or lecture style would provide forklift and operator information for the truck you will be using. Most training would include certain aspects like the load and weight capacity, height, how to charge or fuel the forklift. It covers how to gauge the time on the engine as well as 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 operator of a forklift would need to learn to utilize the equipment while being supervised. The supervised driving has to take place in an environment which resembles the present environment that the operator works in. This atmosphere should include the kind of terrain she will be traveling on, have the same surrounding structures close by, and the same vehicle and pedestrian traffic close by as well. There is no specific minimum number of hours the driver needs to drive while being supervised.