What is a powered industrial truck according to OSHA? Do you need proper training?

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Last Updated on July 26, 2016 / Health, Safety & Security

Question:

Our Warehouse Manager just got a new piece of equipment that I would describe as a type of pallet-jack. When I questioned him about training on the equipment, he said that because an employee does not sit on the piece of equipment to operate it, so there was no required training under OSHA. Is that true? What is the definition of a powered industrial truck according to OSHA?

Answer:

Actually, the Warehouse Manager is incorrect. When most people think of required OSHA standards for that type of equipment, they think of lift trucks. OSHA’s standard for “Powered Industrial Trucks” , however, is much broader than that. OSHA defines a powered industrial truck as “Any mobile power-propelled truck used to carry, push, pull, lift, stack or tier materials. Powered industrial trucks can be ridden or controlled by a walking operator.” The standard does designate and say that earth moving and over the road haulage trucks are not included in the definition. Equipment that was designed to move earth but has been modified to accept forks are also not included. Your Warehouse Manager better get his policy in order and start training under the standard.

See OSHA’s Q&A on the standard here: https://www.osha.gov/training/library/materials

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