Powered Industrial Trucks 29 CFR

Disclaimer As a committee of a national organization, the Safety, Health & Environmental Committee of NPCA must reference federal standards. However, users of this information are informed that state and local agencies may have more stringent standards than those cited here. It is the users responsibility to ensure that the federal standards referenced herein are applicable in their locale. If more stringent standards apply locally, you must adhere to those local requirements.

Covered Topics Definitions Injury/fatality statistics Operator training requirements Re-training/operator evaluations Safety features Inspections Modifications/maintenance Employer responsibilities

Definition of a Powered Industrial Truck A mobile, power-propelled truck used to carry, push, pull, lift, stack or tier materials. Excluded are vehicles used for earth moving and over-the-road hauling. Commonly known as forklifts, pallet trucks, rider trucks, fork trucks, or lift trucks. Can be powered through electric or combustion engines.

Injuries/Fatalities Over 36,000 serious injuries annually. Approximately 100 fatalities annually. Most caused by lack of training or inadequate training.

Injury types

Training Requirements 29 CFR Each employer shall ensure that operators are competent to operate the powered industrial truck safely. Training needs to include operating instructions, warning labels, vehicle capacities, components of the vehicle, material loading, etc. In addition, training should include worksite conditions where the truck will be operated. Written test are recommended for operator training.

Training Requirements 29 CFR Trainees May Operate a Powered Industrial Truck Only: Where such operation does not endanger the trainee or other employees Under direct supervision of a person who has the knowledge, training and experience to train operators and evaluate their competence

Training Requirements 29 CFR Training Components: Operating instructions, warnings and precautions Differences from automobile Controls and instrumentation Engine or motor operation Steering and maneuvering Visibility Fork and attachment adaptation, operation, use.

Training Requirements 29 CFR Training Components Continued: Vehicle capacity and stability Vehicle inspection and maintenance that the operator will be required to perform Refueling/charging/ recharging/changing batteries Operating limitations Other instructions, etc

Training Requirements 29 CFR Training Components Continued: Surface conditions Composition and stability of loads Load manipulation, stacking, unstacking Pedestrian traffic Narrow aisles and restricted areas Operating in hazardous (classified) locations

Training Requirements 29 CFR Training Components Continued: Operating on ramps and sloped surfaces Potentially hazardous environmental conditions Operating in closed environments or other areas where poor ventilation or maintenance could cause carbon monoxide or diesel exhaust buildup

Training Requirements 29 CFR In addition to written tests, hands on (operating) tests should be given.

Re-Training/Operator Evaluations Re-training is required anytime there is an accident involving the powered industrial truck. Operators assigned to a different style of truck need to be re-trained. Conditions in the workplace changing could require re-training of the operator. Operator evaluations are required to be done at least once every 3 years.

Certification of Training The employer shall certify that each operator has been trained and evaluated as required by the standard. Certification shall include: –Name of operator –Date of training –Date of evaluation –Identity of person(s) performing the training or evaluation

Vehicle Components Overhead Guard Counterweight Mast Lift cylinder & Chain Steer AxleDrive Axle Forks Load backrest extension Carriage

Safety Features Seatbelts-should always be worn while operating the truck. Back up beepers/horns. Capacity plates

Safety Features Center of gravity Stability triangle Lifting capacity *The powered industrial truck operator needs to know these!

Safety Features Stability Triangle

Stability of Lift Trucks A lift truck has its own center of gravity. When a lift truck picks up a load, a combined center of gravity is produced (indicated by the star).

Stability of Lift Trucks Moving the center of gravity outside of the stability triangle: 1. Loss of steering 2. Loss of Traction 3. Unstable Load 4. Potential Tip Over

Stability of Lift Trucks Tipovers occur from: Overloading Load too high Mast tilted beyond vertical Sharp turns Braking abruptly Pot holes Overhead obstructions Wet, uneven surfaces Ramps Low tire pressure & Excessive speed

Safety Features

Inspections Daily inspections shall be completed by the operator prior to use of the powered industrial truck. Any deficiencies shall be noted on the inspection form and repaired.

Modifications Modifications to the powered industrial truck should be avoided whenever possible. Altering of the truck in any way needs to be approved in writing by the manufacturer of the lift. Converting from gasoline to LP is allowed as long as the conversion equipment is approved (q)(12).

Maintenance A strict maintenance schedule on the powered industrial truck is the key to having a safe piece of equipment. Defective components should always be repaired or replaced. The powered industrial truck should always be clean and free of debris (garbage).

Employer Responsibilities Employers are required to provide training to operators of powered industrial trucks. A written training program is required. Operators need classroom as well as hands on training. Evaluations need to be documented as part of the training program.

Doing your part will help save lives!

Disclaimer This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered; however, National Precast Concrete Association acts as mediator without approving, disapproving, or guaranteeing the validity or accuracy of any data, claim or opinion appearing herein. Information is provided and disseminated with the understanding that National Precast Concrete Association is not engaged in rendering engineering, legal, or any other professional services. If engineering, legal, or other professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be obtained. National Precast Concrete Association does not assume and hereby disclaims liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions in the material contained herein, regardless of whether such errors result from negligence, accident, or any other cause whatsoever.

Powered Industrial Trucks 29 CFR