No one can deny the versatility of powered industrial trucks in industrial settings. But along with the many uses of these heavy-duty machines are the hazards associated with forklift operations. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identified CFR
1910.178 or the Powered Industrial Trucks Standard as the 6
th most frequently cited violation of 2016! Our latest blog takes a look at some of the crucial
safety regulations for forklift operators in the general industry.
Forklift Requirements
To prevent related accidents and injuries, OSHA has established industry-specific standards when it comes to operating powered industrial trucks. Forklift operators in the industrial sector must take note of these seven regulations:
- General Design and Construction Standards [178(a)(2)]. Employers must make sure that all new forklifts that they acquire and use have satisfied the construction and design requirements specified in the American National Standard for Powered Industrial Trucks, Part II, ANSI B56.1-1969.
- Labeling [178(a)(3)]. In accordance to the American National Standard for Powered Industrial Trucks, Part II, ANSI B56.1-1969, an approved forklift must have a label or distinguishing mark to show that it has been accepted by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
- Approved Truck [178(a)(7)]. An approved truck refers to a powered industrial truck that has met nationally recognized testing standards on fire safety for its intended purpose. Moreover, the approval must be given by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
- Storage and Handling of Liquid Fuels [178(f)(1)]. When storing or handling liquid fuels, forklift operators must comply with the NFPA Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code (NFPA No. 30-1969). Related materials include, but are not limited to, gasoline and diesel fuels.
- Storage and Handling of Liquid Petroleum Gas [178(f)(2)]. Forklift operators must follow the safety requirements specified in the NFPA Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases (NFPA No. 58-1969).
- Carbon Monoxide Levels [178(i)(1)]. The carbon monoxide gas that is generated when operating a powered industrial truck must not exceed the concentration levels set for air contaminants (1910.1000).
- Dockboards [178(j)]. The dockboards or bridge plates of powered industrial trucks must meet the specific requirements for walking-working surfaces (1910.26).
- Training Requirements. Only trained and certified operators are allowed to operate a powered industrial truck. Moreover, employers are required by OSHA to develop and implement a forklift operator training program with the following considerations in mind:
- Safety fundamentals when operating powered industrial trucks
- Kind(s) of forklift used at work
- Workplace hazards related to the usage of powered industrial trucks
- Corresponding OSHA safety requirements and standards
If you are looking for convenient options to jumpstart your learning efforts, 360training.com offers a wide range of online courses for forklift operators!
Contact us to find out how these web-based programs on
forklift operator safety can supplement your hands-on training.
