POWERED INDUSTRIAL TRUCK OPERATOR TRAINING
OSHA standard 1910.178 pertaining to "Powered Industrial Trucks" was revised to require specific, documented training of all employees who operate forklifts, powered pallet jacks, "tug" vehicles, or any other kind of specialized vehicle used in industry (hence the name "powered industrial trucks"). Also referred to as "PIT".
New in this standard is the requirement that workers be trained on the specific type of PIT used on your site. If you use different types of PIT's (for instance a rough-terrain type forklift in your outside yard, and a standard forklift in the concrete-floored warehouse), then operators must be specifically trained on both types of vehicles, if they're going to operate both.
Study findings of Danish researchers published in the June 11 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association suggest that computer use is not associated with risk of developing CTS. This appears to contradict what has been "common knowledge" for quite some time-that computer keyboarding and mousing can lead to CTS.
Also, operators have to be trained about specific hazards of YOUR facility, such as ramps, blind corners, areas that may stay wet and slippery, and so forth.
So, the former training method, usually a generic video tape, is no longer adequate. Neither is having your fork lift truck vendor come in and put on a generic training presentation. Although both of these training aids and methods can be good, and are encouraged, they are no longer enough. Someone from your organization who knows the facilities, and the trucks you use, has to pass on specific information to your operators. Or, alternatively, you can hire outside consultants who will survey your premises, examine your accident records, inspect your trucks, observe your current forklift operations, and they, based on their understanding of your facilities and operations, will provide this training to your employees.
A person who does the training must be able to document a competence to do this training, either by experience or education, or a combination of both.
The program following, breaks down the required training into logical steps. Some may be simple for you, some may be more complex. Recognize that if you have several different types of PITs, you'll need to train operators on each of them. Likewise, if you have several different facilities, you'll need to train the operators about the specific hazards and features of each facility. If operators work at different locations, they'll need to be trained for each.
Click here for a step-by-step checklist you can use to design and execute your PIT training program.
We recommend that you do take advantage of any videos, printed (or other) training materials, and training programs offered, especially by forklift manufacturers. They are especially good for the necessary generic training on Pits, in general, and for specific types of Pits Make these materials a part of your training programs, but recognize that they cannot fulfill the entire requirement of employee training.
TRAINING RESOURCES:Some excellent resources are available for free to assist you in training your PIT operators. In addition to the equipment vendors mentioned above, here are some additional helps:
Very good online training program, through the OSHA web site. Click here.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Testing of PIT operators is required in the standard, to ensure they've received and retained the necessary information. Here is a sample performance test form.
This document is a sample written test format for PIT operators. Usually a combination of written, and performance test is best to determine the extent of information retention.
Another requirement of the standard is that the operator be certified. Here's a 'certificate" form to accomplish that. It allows for training on multiple types of Pit's, plus accommodates permitted prior training and experience. Also provides a setup reminder for next required testing.
Information cards for use as "memory joggers", and for training:
(Note: Individual files can be downloaded by right clicking on link and choosing "Save Target As". Files require Acrobat Reader to view, which can be downloaded for free by clicking on icon.)
