OSHA Highlights

Powered Industrial Truck OSHA Regulation Highlights

 

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
  • Attended Training
  • Experience to train operators
  • Ability to evaluate operator’s competency

TRAINING PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION:

Program consists of:

  • Classroom instruction
  • Practical exercises by the trainee (hands-on training)
  • Evaluation of the operator’s performance by the trainer
  • Use of computer aids or video
  • 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:

An evaluation of any operator’s performance must be conducted at least once every three years as required by OSHA, as well as whenever:

  • An operator has been observed operating a vehicle in an unsafe manner
  • The operator has been involved in an accident or near-miss incident
  • An evaluation has been completed that reveals the operator is not operating the equipment safely
  • The operator is assigned to a different type of truck
  • A condition in the workplace changes in a manner that could affect safe operation of the truck

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)

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