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:

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)