Highlights of OSHA Standards on Powered Industrial Truck Operator Training
Who is covered by the standard?
Powered industrial truck operators in general industry, construction and maritime
(shipyards, longshoring and marine terminals) industries. Almost one million
powered industrial trucks are in use in industries covered by the OSHA standards.
Operator Selection
The employer must ensure that the employee (operator) is competent to operate
a powered industrial truck, as demonstrated by the successful completion
of a training program and evaluation.
Training Program
The training shall include formal instruction (e.g., lecture, discussion, interactive
computer learning, video tape, written material); practical training (demonstrations
performed by the trainer and practical exercises performed by the trainee);
and an evaluation of the operator's performance in the workplace. (See Outline
of Training Requirements at the end of the highlights.)
Periodic Evaluation and Refresher Training
Sufficient evaluation and refresher training must be conducted to enable the
employee to retain and use the knowledge and skills needed to operate the
powered industrial truck safely. An evaluation of each operator's performance
must be conducted at least every three years. Refresher training is required
if the operator: is involved in an accident or near-miss incident; has been
observed operating the vehicle in an unsafe manner; has been determined in
an evaluation to need additional training; assigned to a different type of
truck; or there are changes in the workplace that could affect the safe operation
of the truck.
Avoiding Duplicative Training
An employee who has received training previously and has been found by an evaluation
to be competent to perform the duties of an operator safely does not have
to be retrained at specified intervals. However, all new operators must have
their performance evaluated.
Certification
The employer must certify that the training and evaluation have been done.
Effective Dates
The effective date for the standard is March 1, 1999. The training and evaluation
of employees who were hired before December 1, 1999, must be completed by
December 1, 1999. The training and evaluation of employees hired after December
1, 1999, must be completed before the employee is assigned to operate a powered
industrial truck.
Common Hazards
Hazards commonly associated with powered industrial trucks vary for different
vehicle types and models. For example, a counterbalanced high lift rider
truck is more likely to be involved in a falling load accident than a motorized
hand truck because the rider truck can lift a load much higher than a hand
truck. The methods or means of preventing accidents and protecting an employee
from injury also vary for different types of trucks. For example, to protect
the driver of a rider truck in a tip over accident, the operator should be
trained to remain in the operator's position and to lean away from the direction
of the fall to minimize the potential for injury.
View the Outline of the
Training Program Requirements
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