OSHA CPL 11-04 (CPL 02-03)

APPENDIX B: Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) Inspection Guidance

This guidance provides recommendations for evaluating PITs. The compliance officers shall familiarize themselves with OSHA standard, 1910.178. The CSHOs shall conduct a complete and thorough evaluation and inspection utilizing the steps listed below:

Step 1. Determine the types of PITs at the establishment, such as but not limited to; electric motor rider trucks, order pickers, sit down forklift trucks, walk behind trucks, etc. Reference 1910.178, ANSI B.56.1, and/or N.C. DOL, A guide to Forklift Operator Training.

Step 2. Determine which employees have been designated to operate the PITs. Determine through interviews and an evaluation of the employers training program their level of training, experience, refresher training, and evaluation.

Step 3. Inspect one or more of the different types of PITs used in the establishment. The truck(s) shall be visually inspected to address hazards outlined in the appropriate OSHA standard. Have an operator and the member of management responsible for the PITs onsite demonstrate how they perform inspections of the PITs.

Step 4. Observe the PITs in operation for safe operation and handling.

Step 5. Interview the operators. Discuss training, evaluations, incidents/accidents, handling of defective trucks, and repairs.

Step 6. Interview the employer/trainer. Discuss policies/procedures, training program, frequency of training, determination of competency when hiring experienced operators, evaluation of operators, maintenance/servicing of trucks, knowledge of the owners manual, and removal/return of trucks to service.