Powered Industrial Trucks Operator Training 29 CFR 1910

Powered Industrial Trucks Operator Training 29 CFR 1910. 178

Definition A mobile, power-propelled truck used to carry, push, pull, lift, stack or tier materials. n Commonly known as forklifts, pallet trucks, rider trucks, forktrucks, or lift trucks. n Can be powered through electric or combustion engines. n

Reasons for Training Maintain a safe working environment. n Required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910. 178. n Powered industrial truck accidents cause approximately 100 fatalities and 36, 340 serious injuries in general industry and construction annually. n It is estimated that 20 - 25% of the accidents are, at least in part, caused by inadequate training. n

Stability Triangle B Vehicle Center of Gravity (Unloaded) A C Center of Gravity of Vehicle and Maximum Load Notes: 1. When the vehicle is loaded, the combined center of gravity (CG) shifts toward line B-C. Theoretically the maximum load will result in the CG at the line B-C. In actual practice, the combined CG should never be at line B-C. 2. The addition of additional counterweight will cause the truck CG to shift toward point A and result in a truck that is less stable laterally.

Stability Travel with load uphill when ascending or descending grades. n Do not attempt to make a turn on a grade. n Load pallets evenly; avoid building up unstable loads which could collapse during movement. n Never exceed the load capacity of the PIT. n If a vehicle tips, do not attempt to jump clear. Brace yourself, hold onto the steering wheel and lean away form impact. n

Safe Operation Pedestrians always have the right-of-way. n Stunt driving and horseplay are prohibited at all times. n No riders are allowed under any circumstances. n Look in the direction of travel. Proceed in a forward direction whenever possible. If driving backwards, proceed slowly while looking in the direction of travel. n

Safe Operation Be cautious of edges and open dock doors. n The speed at which you travel is limited by the area and conditions where you are traveling. n If your view is blocked by the load you are moving, travel with the load trailing. n Lower forks near the floor while traveling with or without a load. n Wear safety belts or harnesses while operating vehicle. n

Intersections and Blind-Spots Stop and sound horn at all blind spots and intersections. n Slow down and sound horn in high traffic areas. n Do not enter areas of forklift restriction. n

PIT Safety Never block fire fighting equipment, emergency exits or alarms with PIT or material. n Lower forks to ground when parking vehicle. n Set parking brake before exiting vehicle. n Be aware of overhead clearances. n Report any damage to racks, or other property to supervisor. n Never stand or walk under elevated forks. n

PIT Inspection Employees are required to complete a PIT Inspection checklist for their vehicle prior to operating at the start of each shift. n Take the time to do a proper inspection of the entire vehicle. n Any vehicle that is not working properly must be removed from service. n Inform your Supervisor of any items that need repaired. n

Safe loading and unloading procedure Engage DOK-LOK and or chock trailer wheels. n Inspect trailer floor before entering. n The forklift driver is the only person that is n Permitted to operate the DOK-LOK or chock/unchock trailer wheels. n If DOK-LOK’s are not working you must use wheel chocks. n