Power Industrial Trucks
Coleraine Minerals
Research Laboratory
Prepared by:
Mahjoub Labyad, MIS
UMD Environmental Health and Safety Office
218-726-7273
August 2009
What are
Powered Industrial Trucks
A mobile, power-propelled truck used to
carry, push, pull, lift, stack or tier materials.
[American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) definition]
Commonly known as Forklifts, Pallet Trucks,
Rider Trucks, Fork Trucks, or Lift Trucks.
Powered through either electric, or
combustion engines.
Excluded are vehicles used for earth moving
and over-the-road hauling.
Examples of PITs
Scope of the Standard
The provisions of 29CFR-1910.178(a), which are based
on ANSI B56.1 1969 cover:
fork trucks, tractors, platform lift trucks, motorized
hand trucks, and other specialized industrial trucks
powered by electric motors or internal combustion
engines.
It does not apply to compressed air or
nonflammable compressed gas-operated industrial
trucks, farm vehicles, nor vehicles intended
primarily for earth moving or over-the-road hauling.
This scope covers general industry
(Coleraine/University), construction, and shipyards.
Accident Stats
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.
Video Presentation
Click to play movie:
1. PIT Driver Breaks His Back
2. Stay in the Cab Stay Alive
Performance
Oriented Training
The PIT operator training
requirements are performanceoriented. It permits CMRL to tailor a
training program to the
characteristics of the Coleraine
facility workplace and to the
particular types of power industrial
trucks operated in on our work-site .
Operator Training
Competency
To make sure that each PIT operator is
competent to operate a the truck safely,
as specified in the OSHA standard.
Except for training purposes, all operators
must successfully complete this required
PIT training, or show proof of a previously
completed training in order to operate any
PIT at Coleraine Minerals Research Lab.
Training
Program Implementation
Trainees may operate a PIT only:
Under direct supervision of a person
who has the knowledge, training, and
experience to train operators and
evaluate their competence; and
Where such operation does not
endanger the trainee or other
employees or causes property
damage.
Unique Characteristics of
PIT
Each type of powered industrial truck has
its own unique characteristics and some
inherent hazards.
To be effective, training must address the
unique characteristics of the type of
vehicles used at the worksite, and which
the employee is being trained to operate.
(Gather employees around the each of your PITs and do
an inspection and review PITs particular characteristics)
Coleraine Power Industrial
Trucks and Aerial Lifts
Coleraine currently has
___ PITs and
___ Aerial Lifts in use
___ Boom trucks
Requirement
Training is required for any person
controlling or riding any of these
PITs
Pre-Operation
Assessment
Pre-operation assessment must be
preformed before using/operating
a PIT
(an inspection form must be filled out each time)
Vehicle Assessment
Environment Assessment
Vehicle Assessment
Walk-around Inspection checking
for damage or missing parts
Electrical components, wiring and
electrical cables
Hydraulic hoses and fittings
Nuts bolts and other fasteners
Weld or structural cracks
Decals and the Operating Instruction
Manual are legible and in place
Vehicle Assessment
Function Tests
Make sure all controls are labeled and
operating correctly Including
emergency stops and controls
Make sure operating controls do not
work when emergency stop is engaged
Repair any damage or malfunctions
before operating equipment.
Environment Assessment
Inspect Environment and be aware
of
Possible Obstructions
People in the Area
Dangerous Slopes, Ledges or Holes
Wet, Slippery or Rough Terrain
Electrocution and Fire Hazards
Before Using
Avoid hazardous situations
Always perform a pre operation
inspection
Always perform function tests prior to
use
Inspect the workplace
Only use the machine as it was
intended
Electrical Hazard
PITs are not electrically
insulated, and will not provide
protection from contact with, or
proximity to electrical current.
Electrical Hazards
Always maintain safe distances from
electrical power lines and apparatus in
accordance with applicable regulations
Allow for platform movement, electrical
line sway or sag and beware of strong or
gusty winds.
Keep away from equipment if in contact
with energized power lines
Do not use the machine as a ground for
welding
Tip-over Hazards
Equipment and materials shall
not exceed the maximum
platform capacity.
Ensure load is evenly
distributed
Rough, Slippery,
and/or Unstable Terrain
Use extreme care and slow speeds
Do not travel with the platform
raised or extended
Operator must wear a safety belt
or harness
Collision Hazards
Be aware of limited sight
distance and blind spots
when driving or operating
a PIT.
Check the work area for
overhead obstructions and
other possible hazards.
Explosion and Fire
Hazards
Do not start the engine if you smell or detect
liquid petroleum gas (LPG), gasoline, diesel fuel or
other explosive substances.
Do not refuel the machine with the engine
running.
Refuel the machine and charge the battery only in
an open, well-ventilated area away from sparks,
or flames.
Do not operate the machine in hazardous
locations or locations where potentially flammable
or explosive gases or particles may be present.
Safety Rules
Do not exceed load capacity
Do not elevate load on a non-level
surface
Do not lower Load unless the area below
is clear of personnel and obstructions
Check work area for overhead
obstructions and other possible hazards
Weight Limits
Do not load truck over capacity on
nameplate. Do not handle unstable
loads.
Be very careful when handling long,
high, or wide loads.
If applicable, do not exceed floor
weight limits. If unsure of floor weight
limits check with your supervisor
Review:
Each shift, prior to starting your powered
industrial
truck, check the following:
Brakes
Steering
Oil Level
Water Level
Tires
Hydraulics
Fuel level/battery change
Instrument controls
Review
After starting the vehicle check:
Warning Lights
Load Engaging Means
Hydraulic Control
Operations
Service and parking
brakes
Horn
Gauges
Lift & Tilt Operations
Headlights
In Review1. Know load limits.
2. Conduct daily maintenance
checks.
3. Sound a warning.
4. Be aware of clearance
heights.
5. Know surface conditions.
6. Forks close to floor.
7. Body within running lines of
truck.
8. Forks tilted back when
loaded.
9. Only authorized personnel to
charge or change battery.
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