WHAT DOES OSHA CONSIDER A POWERED INDUSTRIAL TRUCK?
- 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)
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.
- Before permitting an employee to operate a powered industrial truck (except for training purposes) the employer shall ensure that each operator has completed the training required.
TRAINING PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION:
The 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
TRAINER QUALIFICATIONS:
- Requisite knowledge of powered industrial trucks
- Attended Training
- Experience to train operators
- Ability to evaluate operator's competency
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, instrumentation & power source
- Steering, maneuvering & visibility
- Vehicle capacity and stability
- Refueling, battery changing & recharging
- Workplace related topic
- Load manipulation, stacking, etc.
- Hazardous locations
- Ramps and other sloped surfaces
- Closed and potentially hazardous environments
- Pre-shift inspections
- 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 the safe operation of the truck