Counterbalance lift truck Training
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA require that anyone using a counterbalanced forklift receive classroom or lecture style training. They additionally require that a periodic refresher training along with a supervised driving program is completed. 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 utilized to balance its cargo utilizing its own weight. The forklift forks are in a fixed position but could be lowered and raised to secure and move loads. The forks run parallel to the body of the forklift. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration require that drivers who will be utilizing counterbalanced forklifts on the job be correctly trained on the trucks while being in the environment which they would be using them.
Classroom Training
Lecture style training or classroom training offers information about the truck which the operator would be utilizing. This training includes aspects such as weight and load 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 for instance where to stand when walking around the truck. Either oral and/or written testing is part of the classroom training. There is no required minimum time for the training.
Supervised Driving
The forklift operator has to learn how to operate the counterbalanced lift truck while being supervised. The supervised driving has to take place in an area that reflects the environment the driver will be driving in. This atmosphere should include the kind of terrain she would be traveling on, have the same vehicle and pedestrian traffic nearby, and the same surrounding structures close by also. There is no required minimum number of hours the operator has to drive while being supervised.