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Help with OSHA interpretation-When leaving the truck unattended

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chris_z
Ohio, United States

Can anyone help with this interpretation?
OSHA 1910.178 (m) (5) (i) requires that when you leave a lift truck unattended that controls shall be neutralized and power shall be shut off. For some reason one of my sites has interpreted this to mean (with help from an OSHA inspector) that you must unplug the battery (on electric lift trucks).
Is it not sufficient enough to just simply turn the key to the off position?

Posted 15 Dec 2006 01:01 AM

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joe_m
New Jersey, United States

Dear chris_z,

It appears from a reading of OSHA's letter of interpretation of "05/11/2005 - Requirements for leaving construction equipment and powder-actuated tools unattended..." [where OSHA also discusses 1910.178 (m) (5) (i)] that the unplugging applies when the "...vehicle is unattended for a SUBSTATIAL period of time" such as an overnight condition. I believe that unplugging the electric powered truck during the normal workshift, even to park it for a break or lunch period is excessive. OSHA would probably agree on this. -----------
We use National LIFTOR behavioral standards that require: 1) handbrake or parking brake set, if any. 2) forks lowered to travel surface, 3) all hydraulics nutralized such that the control levers, when moved from stop-to-stop, result in NO movement of any metal parts, 4) key switch set OFF position, 5) key removed from switch AND truck, and 6) if unattended on ANY inclined surface, a wheel is to be chocked or blocked.

For more suggestions, try LIFTOR DOT COM.

Best whishes,

-------------------------
Training for Precision and Speed of Operation = Safe and Productive Operators

Posted 15 Dec 2006 06:23 AM

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chris_z
Ohio, United States

Joe. The 6 steps you list are reasonable and the same as I would normally expect .
Thanks for your reply.

Posted 16 Dec 2006 00:36 AM

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dan_m
Ontario, Canada

I concur, and remember, unattended means out of operator's view, or more than 25' away from the truck.

Danny

Posted 20 Dec 2006 10:55 AM

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