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,