Ask X3What powered industrial truck (forklift) training is required under 29 CFR 1910.178?
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Short answer
The powered industrial truck (forklift) training required under 29 CFR 1910.178 includes ensuring that each operator is competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely, as demonstrated by the successful completion of the training and evaluation specified in paragraph (l). The employer must ensure that each operator has successfully completed the training required before permitting them to operate a powered industrial truck, except for training purposes.
The rule says
"The employer shall ensure that each powered industrial truck operator is competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely, as demonstrated by the successful completion of the training and evaluation specified in this paragraph (l)." (29 CFR 1910.178(l)(1)(i))
"Prior to permitting an employee to operate a powered industrial truck (except for training purposes), the employer shall ensure that each operator has successfully completed the training required by this paragraph (l), except as permitted by paragraph (l)(5)." (29 CFR 1910.178(l)(1)(ii))
In plain English
The training requirements for powered industrial trucks under 29 CFR 1910.178 are designed to ensure that operators can safely operate these vehicles. This means that employers must provide training and evaluation to demonstrate competence, and operators must complete this training before they can operate a powered industrial truck, except during training sessions. The goal is to prevent accidents and injuries by ensuring that operators understand how to safely use these vehicles. In practice, this means that employers need to have a training program in place that covers the safe operation of powered industrial trucks, and they must ensure that all operators complete this training before allowing them to operate the vehicles.
What to do
- Ensure that all powered industrial truck operators complete the required training and evaluation before operating the vehicles.
- Develop a training program that covers the safe operation of powered industrial trucks.
- Provide training and evaluation to demonstrate operator competence.
- Keep records of operator training and evaluation to demonstrate compliance with the regulation.