Federal OSHA Regulations: 29 C.F.R. Section 1910.178
Operator Training for Powered Industrial Trucks
Section 1910.178(l)(1)
Safe operation.
(l)(1)(i)
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 in this paragraph (l).
(l)(1)(ii)
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 by this
paragraph (l), except as permitted by
paragraph (l)(5).
(l)(2)
Training program implementation.
(l)(2)(i)
Trainees may operate a powered industrial
truck only:
(l)(2)(i)(A)
Under the direct supervision of persons
who have the knowledge, training, and
experience to train operators and evaluate
their competence; and
(l)(2)(i)(B)
Where such operation does not endanger
the trainee or other employees.
(l)(2)(ii)
Training shall consist of a combination
of formal instruction (e.g., lecture,
discussion, interactive computer learning,
video tape, written material), practical
training (demonstrations performed by
the trainer and practical exercises performed
by the trainee), and evaluation of the
operator's performance in the workplace.
(l)(2)(iii)
All operator training and evaluation
shall be conducted by persons who have the
knowledge, training, and experience
to train powered industrial truck operators and
evaluate their competence.
(l)(3)
Training program content. Powered industrial
truck operators shall receive initial
training in the following topics, except
in topics which the employer can
demonstrate are not applicable to safe
operation of the truck in the employer's
workplace.
(l)(3)(i)
Truck-related topics:
(l)(3)(i)(A)
Operating instructions, warnings, and
precautions for the types of truck the
operator will be authorized to operate;
(l)(3)(i)(B)
Differences between the truck and the
automobile;
(l)(3)(i)(C)
Truck controls and instrumentation:
where they are located, what they do, and
how they work;
(l)(3)(i)(D)
Engine or motor operation;
(l)(3)(i)(E)
Steering and maneuvering;
(l)(3)(i)(F)
Visibility (including restrictions due
to loading);
(l)(3)(i)(G)
Fork and attachment adaptation, operation,
and use limitations;
(l)(3)(i)(H)
Vehicle capacity;
(l)(3)(i)(I)
Vehicle stability;
(l)(3)(i)(J)
Any vehicle inspection and maintenance
that the operator will be required to
perform;
(l)(3)(i)(K)
Refueling and/or charging and recharging
of batteries;
(l)(3)(i)(L)
Operating limitations;
(l)(3)(i)(M)
Any other operating instructions, warnings,
or precautions listed in the operator's
manual for the types of vehicle that
the employee is being trained to operate.
(l)(3)(ii)
Workplace-related topics:
(l)(3)(ii)(A)
Surface conditions where the vehicle
will be operated;
(l)(3)(ii)(B)
Composition of loads to be carried and
load stability;
(l)(3)(ii)(C)
Load manipulation, stacking, and unstacking;
(l)(3)(ii)(D)
Pedestrian traffic in areas where the
vehicle will be operated;
(l)(3)(ii)(E)
Narrow aisles and other restricted places
where the vehicle will be operated;
(l)(3)(ii)(F)
Hazardous (classified) locations where
the vehicle will be operated;
(l)(3)(ii)(G)
Ramps and other sloped surfaces that
could affect the vehicle's stability;
(l)(3)(ii)(H)
Closed environments and other areas
where insufficient ventilation or poor vehicle
maintenance could cause a buildup of
carbon monoxide or diesel exhaust;
(l)(3)(ii)(I)
Other unique or potentially hazardous
environmental conditions in the workplace
that could affect safe operation.
(l)(3)(iii)
The requirements of this section.
(l)(4)
Refresher training and evaluation.
(l)(4)(i)
Refresher training, including an evaluation
of the effectiveness of that training,
shall be conducted as required by paragraph
(l)(4)(ii) to ensure that the operator
has the knowledge and skills needed
to operate the powered industrial truck safely.
(l)(4)(ii)
Refresher training in relevant topics
shall be provided to the operator when:
(l)(4)(ii)(A)
The operator has been observed to operate
the vehicle in an unsafe manner;
(l)(4)(ii)(B)
The operator has been involved in an
accident or near-miss incident;
(l)(4)(ii)(C)
The operator has received an evaluation
that reveals that the operator is not
operating the truck safely;
(l)(4)(ii)(D)
The operator is assigned to drive a
different type of truck; or
(l)(4)(ii)(E)
A condition in the workplace changes
in a manner that could affect safe operation
of the truck.
(l)(4)(iii)
An evaluation of each powered industrial
truck operator's performance shall be
conducted at least once every three
years.
(l)(5)
Avoidance of duplicative training. If
an operator has previously received training
in a topic specified in paragraph (l)(3)
of this section, and such training is
appropriate to the truck and working
conditions encountered, additional training in
that topic is not required if the operator
has been evaluated and found competent
to operate the truck safely.
(l)(6)
Certification. The employer shall certify
that each operator has been trained and
evaluated as required by this paragraph
(l). The certification shall include the name
of the operator, the date of the training,
the date of the evaluation, and the
identity of the person(s) performing
the training or evaluation.
(l)(7)
Dates. The employer shall ensure that
operators of powered industrial trucks are
trained, as appropriate, by the dates
shown in the following table.
____________________________________________________________________________
|
If the employee was hired: | The intial training
and evaluation of that
| must be completed:
____________________________|_______________________________________________
|
Before December 1, 1999 ... | By December 1, 1999.
After December 1, 1999 .... | Before the employee is assigned
to operate a
| powered industrial truck.
____________________________|_______________________________________________
(l)(8)
Appendix A to this section provides
non-mandatory guidance to assist employers in
implementing this paragraph (l). This
appendix does not add to, alter, or reduce the
requirements of this section.
(m)
Truck operations.
(m)(1)
Trucks shall not be driven up to anyone
standing in front of a bench or other fixed
object.
(m)(2)
No person shall be allowed to stand
or pass under the elevated portion of any
truck, whether loaded or empty.
(m)(3)
Unauthorized personnel shall not be
permitted to ride on powered industrial trucks.
A safe place to ride shall be provided
where riding of trucks is authorized.
(m)(4)
The employer shall prohibit arms or
legs from being placed between the uprights of
the mast or outside the running lines
of the truck.
(m)(5)
-
(m)(5)(i)
When a powered industrial truck is left
unattended, load engaging means shall be
fully lowered, controls shall be neutralized,
power shall be shut off, and brakes set.
Wheels shall be blocked if the truck
is parked on an incline.
(m)(5)(ii)
A powered industrial truck is unattended
when the operator is 25 ft. or more away
from the vehicle which remains in his
view, or whenever the operator leaves the
vehicle and it is not in his view.
..1910.178(m)(5)(iii)
(m)(5)(iii)
When the operator of an industrial truck
is dismounted and within 25 ft. of the
truck still in his view, the load engaging
means shall be fully lowered, controls
neutralized, and the brakes set to prevent
movement.
(m)(6)
A safe distance shall be maintained
from the edge of ramps or platforms while on
any elevated dock, or platform or freight
car. Trucks shall not be used for opening
or closing freight doors.
(m)(7)
Brakes shall be set and wheel blocks
shall be in place to prevent movement of
trucks, trailers, or railroad cars while
loading or unloading. Fixed jacks may be
necessary to support a semitrailer during
loading or unloading when the trailer is
not coupled to a tractor. The flooring
of trucks, trailers, and railroad cars shall be
checked for breaks and weakness before
they are driven onto.
(m)(8)
There shall be sufficient headroom under
overhead installations, lights, pipes,
sprinkler system, etc.
(m)(9)
An overhead guard shall be used as protection
against falling objects. It should be
noted that an overhead guard is intended
to offer protection from the impact of
small packages, boxes, bagged material,
etc., representative of the job application,
but not to withstand the impact of a
falling capacity load.
(m)(10)
A load backrest extension shall be used
whenever necessary to minimize the
possibility of the load or part of it
from falling rearward.
..1910.178(m)(11)
(m)(11)
Only approved industrial trucks shall
be used in hazardous locations.
(m)(12)
Whenever a truck is equipped with vertical
only, or vertical and horizontal controls
elevatable with the lifting carriage
or forks for lifting personnel, the following
additional precautions shall be taken
for the protection of personnel being elevated.
(m)(12)(i)
Use of a safety platform firmly secured
to the lifting carriage and/or forks.
(m)(12)(ii)
Means shall be provided whereby personnel
on the platform can shut off power to
the truck.
(m)(12)(iii)
Such protection from falling objects
as indicated necessary by the operating
conditions shall be provided.
(m)(13)
[Reserved]
(m)(14)
Fire aisles, access to stairways, and
fire equipment shall be kept clear.
..1910.178(n)
(n)
Traveling.
(n)(1)
All traffic regulations shall be observed,
including authorized plant speed limits. A
safe distance shall be maintained approximately
three truck lengths from the truck
ahead, and the truck shall be kept under
control at all times.
(n)(2)
The right of way shall be yielded to
ambulances, fire trucks, or other vehicles in
emergency situations.
(n)(3)
Other trucks traveling in the same direction
at intersections, blind spots, or other
dangerous locations shall not be passed.
(n)(4)
The driver shall be required to slow
down and sound the horn at cross aisles and
other locations where vision is obstructed.
If the load being carried obstructs
forward view, the driver shall be required
to travel with the load trailing.
(n)(5)
Railroad tracks shall be crossed diagonally
wherever possible. Parking closer than 8
feet from the center of railroad tracks
is prohibited.
(n)(6)
The driver shall be required to look
in the direction of, and keep a clear view of the
path of travel.
(n)(7)
Grades shall be ascended or descended
slowly.
(n)(7)(i)
When ascending or descending grades
in excess of 10 percent, loaded trucks shall
be driven with the load upgrade.
..1910.178(n)(7)(ii)
(n)(7)(ii)
[Reserved]
(n)(7)(iii)
On all grades the load and load engaging
means shall be tilted back if applicable,
and raised only as far as necessary
to clear the road surface.
(n)(8)
Under all travel conditions the truck
shall be operated at a speed that will permit it
to be brought to a stop in a safe manner.
(n)(9)
Stunt driving and horseplay shall not
be permitted.
(n)(10)
The driver shall be required to slow
down for wet and slippery floors.
(n)(11)
Dockboard or bridgeplates, shall be
properly secured before they are driven over.
Dockboard or bridgeplates shall be driven
over carefully and slowly and their rated
capacity never exceeded.
(n)(12)
Elevators shall be approached slowly,
and then entered squarely after the elevator
car is properly leveled. Once on the
elevator, the controls shall be neutralized,
power shut off, and the brakes set.
(n)(13)
Motorized hand trucks must enter elevator
or other confined areas with load end
forward.
..1910.178(n)(14)
(n)(14)
Running over loose objects on the roadway
surface shall be avoided.
(n)(15)
While negotiating turns, speed shall
be reduced to a safe level by means of turning
the hand steering wheel in a smooth,
sweeping motion. Except when maneuvering
at a very low speed, the hand steering
wheel shall be turned at a moderate, even
rate.
(o)
Loading.
(o)(1)
Only stable or safely arranged loads
shall be handled. Caution shall be exercised
when handling off-center loads which
cannot be centered.
(o)(2)
Only loads within the rated capacity
of the truck shall be handled.
(o)(3)
The long or high (including multiple-tiered)
loads which may affect capacity shall be
adjusted.
(o)(4)
Trucks equipped with attachments shall
be operated as partially loaded trucks
when not handling a load.
(o)(5)
A load engaging means shall be placed
under the load as far as possible; the mast
shall be carefully tilted backward to
stabilize the load.
..1910.178(o)(6)
(o)(6)
Extreme care shall be used when tilting
the load forward or backward, particularly
when high tiering. Tilting forward with
load engaging means elevated shall be
prohibited except to pick up a load.
An elevated load shall not be tilted forward
except when the load is in a deposit
position over a rack or stack. When stacking
or tiering, only enough backward tilt
to stabilize the load shall be used.
(p)
Operation of the truck.
(p)(1)
If at any time a powered industrial
truck is found to be in need of repair, defective,
or in any way unsafe, the truck shall
be taken out of service until it has been
restored to safe operating condition.
(p)(2)
Fuel tanks shall not be filled while
the engine is running. Spillage shall be avoided.
(p)(3)
Spillage of oil or fuel shall be carefully
washed away or completely evaporated and
the fuel tank cap replaced before restarting
engine.
(p)(4)
No truck shall be operated with a leak
in the fuel system until the leak has been
corrected.
(p)(5)
Open flames shall not be used for checking
electrolyte level in storage batteries or
gasoline level in fuel tanks.
(q)
Maintenance of industrial trucks.
(q)(1)
Any power-operated industrial truck
not in safe operating condition shall be
removed from service. All repairs shall
be made by authorized personnel.
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