Today I’d like to take a look at how to safely use powered industrial trucks. OSHA uses the term powered industrial truck to describe a mobile, power-driven vehicle used to carry, push, pull, lift, stack or tier material. Included in this description would be: high lift, counterbalanced, cantilever, rider, forklift, high lift platform, and motorized hand/rider trucks. The standard does not include any type of earth moving or over-the-road haulage equipment.

The OSHA forklift training standard can be found at 29 CFR 1926.602(d). However, at .602(d) the rule points you to the general industry regulations at 29 CFR 1910.178(l)–Powered industrial truck operator training. OSHA does this for two reasons: (1) the training is similar, and (2) it saves printing costs by not duplicating like regulations. Yes, you must obtain a copy of the general industry, 1910 OSHA regulations to comply with this standard.

What are the regulation requirements?  The regulation is broken down into eight sections. They are:

(1) Safe operation—You must ensure that each operator: (1) is competent to safely operate the particular powered industrial truck he/she will use, and (2) has successfully completed the training required by the new rule.

(2) Training program implementation—Your trainer must have the knowledge, training, and experience to train forklift operators, and evaluate their competence. Trainees can operate a forklift only: (a) under the direct supervision of a knowledgeable trainer/evaluator, and (b) when it does not endanger the trainee or others.  Training must consist of formal instruction (lecture, discussion, videos), practical training (demonstrations and practical exercises), and jobsite performance evaluations.

(3) Training program content—Operators must initially train in all topics listed in §1910.178(l)(3), unless employers can demonstrate that a topic is not applicable to the safe operation of the truck at the employee’s specific worksite. Topics are broken down into three broad categories: (1) truck-related, (2) worksite related, and (3) the forklift rule requirements.

(4) Refresher training and evaluation—Refresher training and evaluation must be done to ensure operators have the knowledge and skills needed to operate the forklift safely. Refresher training is required when: (1) unsafe operation is observed, (2) an accident or near-miss has occurred, (3) an evaluation reveals unsafe operation, (4) the operator will operate a different truck, and (5) workplace conditions change that could affect safe operation. An evaluation of each forklift operator must be conducted at least once every three years.

(5) Avoidance of duplicative training—If an operator has previously trained in a required topic, the training is appropriate to the forklift and working conditions encountered, and the operator has been evaluated and found competent to operate the truck safely, that training does not have to be duplicated.

(6) Certification—Employers must certify that a forklift operator has been trained and evaluated as required by the regulation.

(7) Dates—See paragraph two above for where you can locate the OSHA information on when  employers must ensure forklift operators are trained.

(8) Appendix A—Provides guidance to assist employers in implementing the rule.

Use this information only as guidance since certain states have more stringent regulations that go above and beyond the OSHA standards.

Stay Safe!