Counterbalance Forklift Training
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anyone who utilizes a counterbalanced forklift must have training. Training for these types of industrial vehicles consists of both classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is required periodically to keep driver skills up to date. OSHA does not indicate a minimum time requirement for either the hands-on or classroom training.

Counterbalanced Forklifts
A counterbalanced lift truck balances its load utilizing a counterbalance built into the truck. The tines move down and up parallel to the truck's body. The forks do not rotate. Operators driving counterbalanced forklifts must receive training about the specific lift trucks they will be operating and in the same workplace environment.

Classroom Training
In classroom training, the forklift driver will learn about the model she or he will be utilizing. Information comprises specifications like load, height and weight capacity. The operator would learn the basics of fueling or charging the lift truck, depending on whether the engine is gas-powered or battery-powered. Safety measures regarding the specific lift truck, like how to walk safely around the forklift, will be included.

Supervised Driving
Driver training will be supervised to make sure that the driver will know how to correctly drive the counterbalance lift truck. This practical training would occur in the same type of setting in which the driver would be working. The driver would train on the same kind of terrain with the same kinds of surrounding buildings and other structures, as well as the same vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Refresher Training
Counterbalance lift truck operators are required by OSHA to take a periodic refresher training program. However, there are no specifications as to the frequency at which a driver needs this training. However, for regular drivers, refresher training has to comprise classroom-style training.