U.S. Trainers should be familiar with the ANSI/ITSDF B56.1-2009 (Revision of ANSI/ITSDF B56.1-2005) with the understanding that it is a voluntary consensus standard ( i.e. recommended safe practices/industry guidelines) unless a governmental agency has adopted it by reference where some of it then becomes mandatory.

Trainers should adopt any of the rules/provisions which apply to the operation where the forklifts will be operated. Said rules/provisions should be incorporated into their training material. I would not recommend giving forklift operators copies of B56.1 as handouts because some information may not be applicable. There is also confusion between interpreting shall and should.

If a company is going to adopt a should section as a required company practice, the wording should be changed in their training materials to a shall (required) practice.

"ANSI/ITSDF B56.1-2009 (Revision of ANSI/ITSDF B56.1-2005)

INTRODUCTION

1 SCOPE
This Standard defines the safety requirements relating
to the elements of design, operation, and maintenance of
low lift and high lift powered industrial trucks controlled
by a riding or walking operator, and intended for use on
compacted, improved surfaces.

2 PURPOSE

The purpose of the Standard is to promote safety
through the design, construction, application, operation,
and maintenance of low lift and high lift powered
industrial trucks. This Standard may be used as a guide
by governmental authorities desiring to formulate safety
rules and regulations. This Standard is also intended for
voluntary use by other associated with the manufacture or
use of low lift and high lift powered industrial trucks.

3 INTERPRETATION

3.1 Mandatory and Advisory Rules
To carry out the provisions of this Standard, all items
in Parts II, III, IV, and V are mandatory except those
including the word should, which are recommendations."