Powered Industrial Trucks - Operator Training

1. Powered Industrial Trucks -Operator Training 29 CFR 1910.178

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

3. Reasons for Training • Maintain a safe working environment. • Required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178. • Powered industrial truck accidents cause approximately 100 fatalities and 36,340 serious injuries in general industry and construction annually. • It is estimated that 20 - 25% of the accidents are, at least in part, caused by inadequate training.

4. Stability Triangle Vehicle Center of Gravity (Unloaded) B A Center of Gravity of Vehicle and Maximum Load C 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.

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

6. Safe Operation • Pedestrians always have the right-of-way. • Stunt driving and horseplay are prohibited at all times. • No riders are allowed under any circumstances. • 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.

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

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

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

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

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