OSHA REGULATIONS

POWERED INDUSTRIAL TRUCK OPERATORS TRAINING NEW OSHA REGULATION HIGH LITES EFFECTIVE 3/1/99

OPERATOR MUST BE QUALIFIED:

• The employer shall ensure that each powered industrial truck operator is competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely, as demonstrated by the successful completion of the training and evaluation specified.
• Prior to permitting an employee to operate a powered industrial truck (except for training purposes) the employer shall ensure that each operator has successfully completed the training required…

TRAINER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Requisite knowledge of powered industrial trucks
• Training experience
• Experience to train operators
• Judgement of operators competency

TRAINING PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION:

Program shall consist of a combination of:

• Classroom instruction
• Practical exercises by the trainee (hands-on training)
• Evaluation of the operators performance by the trainer
• Use of computer aids or video tapes
• Use of a workbook

CERTIFICATION

• Adequate records showing the name of the operator, date of training and date of the evaluation
• Retention of training materials and course outline
• Name and address of outside contractor who performed the training

TRAINING PROGRAM CONTENT:

Operating instructions Automobile vs. lift truck Truck controls and instrumentation Power source Steering and maneuvering Visibility Vehicle capacity and stability Refueling Battery changing and recharging

Workplace related topics Load manipulation, stacking, etc. Hazardous locations Ramps and other sloped surfaces Closed environments Potential hazardous environments Pre-shift inspection Operating limitations Surface conditions

EVALUATION AND REFRESHER TRAINING:

• When the operator has been observed to operate the vehicle in an unsafe manner
• The operator has been involved in an accident or near-miss incident
• An evaluation that reveals that the operator is not operating the lift truck safely
• The operator is assigned to operate a different type of lift truck
• Changing workplace environment
• An evaluation of operators performance shall be conducted at least once every three years

TYPES OF LIFT TRUCKS:

• Sit Down Rider, (classes I, IV, V, electric and internal combustion engine)
• Narrow Aisle, (class II, electric, order picker, reach truck and stand up rider)
• Powered Pallet Truck, (class III)
• Tuggers, (class VI)
• Rough Terrain, (class VII)