Counterbalance forklift Training
OSHA does require operators using a counterbalanced forklift to have received classroom or lecture style training. They additionally require that a periodic refresher training as well as a supervised driving program is completed. There is no minimum time requirement for the classroom training or supervised driving. As well, there is no frequency mandated for the refresher training either.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced forklift balances its load with the truck's weight. The forks on a lift truck are in a fixed position; they go down and up and do not pivot. The forks run parallel to the body of the forklift. OSHA require that drivers who will be operating counterbalanced forklifts on the job be properly trained on the trucks while being in the kind of environment which they would be utilizing them.
Classroom Training
Training either in a classroom or lecture style would offer lift truck and operator information for the truck you would be driving. Most training will cover certain aspects like the load and weight capacity, height, how to fuel or charge the lift truck. It covers how to gauge the time on the engine as well as any lift truck specific safety information like 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 operator of a forklift will have to learn to drive the machinery while being supervised. The supervised driving needs 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 similar surrounding structures nearby, and the same vehicle and pedestrian traffic nearby also. There is no required minimum number of hours the operator needs to drive while being supervised.