Counterbalance lift truck Training
OSHA does require drivers using a counterbalanced lift truck to have received lecture style or classroom training. They also require that a supervised driving program is completed in addition to periodic refresher training. There is no required minimum time for the classroom training or supervised driving. As well, there is no frequency mandated for the refresher training either.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced lift truck balances its load with the weight of the truck. The forks on a lift truck are in a fixed position; they go up and down and do not pivot. The forks run parallel to the body of the forklift. OSHA require that drivers who would be using counterbalanced forklifts on the job be properly trained on the trucks while being in the kind of environment that they will be utilizing them.
Classroom Training
Training either lecture style or in a classroom would provide lift truck and driver information for the truck you would be operating. Most training will include several aspects like the load and weight capacity, height, how to fuel or charge the forklift. It covers how to gauge the time on the engine along with any lift truck 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 required minimum time for the training.
Supervised Driving
The driver of a forklift will have to learn to use the equipment 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 must include the type of terrain she will be traveling on, have the same surrounding structures nearby, and the same pedestrian and vehicle traffic close by too. There is no specific minimum number of hours the operator needs to drive while being supervised.