The United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued on Monday, August 9, 2010 the final rule for 29 CFR Part 1926, Cranes and Derricks in Construction. These rules take effect 90 days from the publication date. Some forklift operations will be affected by this new rule.

For information and links to this subject matter,
Google: osha.gov/as/opa/cranesderricks-factsheet.html

Powered industrial trucks (forklifts), configured to hoist and lower (by means of a winch or hook) and horizontally move a suspended load fall under the new OSHA Construction Industry Regulations for Cranes and Derricks. Forklift operators will be required to be trained and certified as crane operators under these conditions.

For the final rule and regulations, Google: osha.gov/FedReg_osha_pdf/FED20100809.pdf

"§ 1926.1400 Scope.

(a) This standard applies to power operated equipment, when used in construction, that can hoist, lower and horizontally move a suspended load...

(c) Exclusions. This subpart does not cover:...

(8) Powered industrial trucks (forklifts), except when configured to hoist and lower (by means of a winch or hook) and horizontally move a suspended load."

"§ 1926.1401 Definitions.

Multi-purpose machine means a machine that is designed to be
configured in various ways, at least one of which allows it to hoist (by means of a winch or hook) and horizontally move a suspended load. For example, a machine that can rotate and can be configured with removable forks/tongs (for use as a forklift) or with a winch pack, jib (with a hook at the end) or jib used in conjunction with a winch. When configured with the forks/tongs, it is not covered by this subpart. When configured with a winch pack, jib (with a hook at the end) or jib used in conjunction with a winch, it is covered by this subpart."

Special attention should be given to:

1926.1427 Operator Qualification and Certification

1926.1430 Training

Appendix C to subpart CC of 1926 - Operator Certification; Written Examination; Technical Knowledge Criteria

This standard also applies to construction activities performed by general industry maintenance departments.

Google:

osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=24789

osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=21569