Powered Industrial Trucks, General Industry • Regulation 29 CFR 1910.178

The term “powered industrial truck” (PIT) refers to any mobile power-propelled truck used to carry, push, pull, lift, stack or tier materials. The category includes forklifts, pallet trucks, rider trucks, fork trucks or lift trucks, but not over-the-road haulage trucks and earth moving equipment – even if it has been modified to accept forks. PITs can be controlled by a walking operator or ridden.

Each type of PIT presents different operating hazards. For example, a sit-down, counterbalanced high-lift rider truck is more likely than a motorized hand truck to be involved in a falling load accident, because the sit-down rider truck can lift a load much higher than a hand truck. Workplace type and conditions are also factors in hazards commonly associated with powered industrial trucks. For example, retail establishments often face greater challenges than other worksites in maintaining pedestrian safety. A worker can also be injured when:

• A PIT is inadvertently driven off loading docks.
• A truck falls between docks and an unsecured trailer.
• A worker is struck by a PIT.
• A worker falls while on elevated pallets and tines.
• Overloading or unbalanced loading causes the load to fall.
• The operator has an obstructed view in the direction of travel.
• The vehicle is being operated at an excessive rate of speed.
• The truck is operating in areas where there are narrow aisles.
• The PIT is operating where there are employees in the vicinity of its path.
• The operator has failed to ensure the wheels are properly blocked with wheel chocks.

Enforcement from October 2022 through September 2023:

ABOUT THE STANDARD

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Only authorized personnel are allowed to operate a powered industrial truck. It is a violation of Federal law for anyone under 18 years of age to operate a forklift, or anyone over 18 who is not properly trained and certified to do so. 29 CFR 1910.178 requires employers to 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 an evaluation. A performance test should be conducted to determine whether an employee can operate the assigned truck through the functions necessary to perform the required work should.

The employer must evaluate the potential operator on:

• Operating ability
• Knowledge of the equipment
• Knowledge of daily checks

Refresher training must be provided every three years. Interim training should be given if the employee is observed operating his or her powered industrial truck incorrectly.

If a PIT is found to be in need of repair, or is defective or unsafe in any way, it must be taken out of service until it has been restored to a safe operating condition by authorized personnel.

EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES

An employee must operate a PIT as trained, and must keep the safety of co-workers in mind at all times. Additionally, each operator is required to be aware of the truck specifications on the nameplate and what they mean. If there is a special attachment, it must be listed on the nameplate. Safety measures for PIT operators to follow include:¹

• Do not operate a forklift unless you have been trained and certified.
• Inspect the forklift every day before use. If damage or problems occur with the forklift during your shift, tell your supervisor.
• Use seat belts if they are available.
• Exit from a rear-entry, stand-up forklift by stepping backward, in case of a lateral tip-over.
• Use extreme caution on grades and ramps. On grades, tilt the load back and raise it only as far as needed to clear the road surface.
• Do not raise or lower the forks while the lift is moving.
• Do not drive up to anyone standing in front of a bench or other fixed object. Travel backward with the load if you cannot see in front of you. Also, look toward the travel path and keep a clear view of it.
• Sound the horn as you approach and while turning corners where you cannot see.
• Band or secure loads if they could fall.

KEEPING WORKERS SAFE

Determining the best way to protect workers from injury largely depends on the type of truck operated and the worksite where it is being used. OSHA provides an eTool² that explains the types and fundamentals of different forklift classifications, including:

• Class I: Electric motor rider trucks
• Class II: Electric motor narrow aisle trucks
• Class III: Electric motor hand trucks or hand/rider trucks
• Class IV: Internal combustion engine trucks (solid/cushion tires)
• Class V: Internal combustion engine trucks (pneumatic tires)
• Class VI: Electric and internal combustion engine tractors
• Class VII: Rough terrain forklift trucks
• Class I: Electric motor rider trucks
• Class II: Electric motor narrow aisle trucks
• Class III: Electric motor hand trucks or hand/rider trucks
• Class IV: Internal combustion engine trucks (solid/cushion tires)
• Class V: Internal combustion engine trucks (pneumatic tires)
• Class VI: Electric and internal combustion engine tractors
• Class VII: Rough terrain forklift trucks

Resources

Visit www.osha.gov to review the Powered Industrial Trucks Standard, 1910.178. WMHS