The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Powered Industrial Truck Standard (29 CFR 1910.178) establishes requirements for the safe operation of powered industrial trucks. These requirements include formal operator training prior to licensure and the completion of daily pre-operation inspections.
In alignment with OSHA standards, the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) department has developed a comprehensive training program. This program includes structured safety instruction, hands-on mentoring for trainees, and a formal performance evaluation.
OSHA defines powered industrial trucks as
- Fork trucks
- Platform lift trucks
- Motorized hand trucks
- Tractors
- Other specialized industrial trucks powered by electric motors or internal combustion engines
Not included with this definition:
- Compressed air or compressed gas operated industrial trucks
- Vehicles intended primarily for earth moving or over-the-road hauling
- Farm vehicles
Training Requirements to Receive Certification
Formal training is provided by EHS. Training courses provided include:
- Online training in Percipio
- In-person, classroom training at our 41 9th Street location
Both training formats satisfy OSHA's formal training requirements.
Following EHS formal powered industrial truck training, trainees are required to work with currently certified operators for each type of equipment that they will be using to perform their job duties. This mentorship program allows for certified staff to work with each trainee to aid them in building the skills needed to operate the equipment. When both the mentor and the trainee feel they have fully developed the skills required to operate the equipment, they will contact supervisory staff to complete a performance evaluation.
The final step in the certification process is for supervisory staff to conduct an performance evaluation of the trainee using the equipment they will be required to operate. Supervisors will use the following form to evaluate operators:
During the performance evaluation, operators will follow items listed on the daily pre-operational inspection checklist, which is a requirement that must be completed prior to their first daily use:
Resources
Forklift Daily Pre-Operation Inspection Checklist
Prior to using a forklift for the first time on a work shift, operators are required to perform an inspection to ensure the safety of themselves and those working in the immediate area.
Powered Industrial Truck Operator Evaluation Form
Supervisors are required to complete the Powered Industrial Truck Operator Evaluation Form to certify that operators meet the skill requirements to operate specific powered industrial trucks.
Please reach out to EHS for more information on our Powered Industrial Truck Program.
