OSHA standards governing the safe operation of "Powered Industrial Trucks" are defined under standard 1917.43. Visit: www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10380

1917.43(e)(1)(i)

When operators are exposed to overhead falling hazards, fork lift trucks shall be equipped with securely attached overhead guards. Guards shall be constructed to protect the operator from falling boxes, cartons, packages, or similar objects.

Explanation: This regulation insures that lift truck overhead guards are properly installed and in good condition on lift trucks. Overhead guards are designed to take 1 impact. If your overhead guard has sustained an impact and is damaged in any way, it must be replaced before the lift truck is put back in service. Repairs or modifications to overhead guards can only be approved by the lift truck manufacturer. One of the most common mistakes is that holes are drilled in the legs of overhead guards to facilitate the installation of mirrors, fire extinguishers or other safety devices. THIS IS CONSIDERED A MODIFICATION BY THE MANUFACTURER AND IS NOT ALLOWED. Brackets can be purchased (or easily made) to install devices to the overhead guard without drilling holes. Consult your local lift truck dealer for details.

Safety products to be installed on overhead guards:

ClearCap forklift covers provide protection from rain, snow, sun and falling small particulates that can fall off of loose pallets. They are made of a strong polycarbonate plastic and come in clear and tinted. Please visit our application chart to find your specific ClearCap for your lift truck under the About tab. Find pricing under our Catalog.

OSHA standards governing the safe operation of "Powered Industrial Trucks" are defined under standard 1917.43. Visit: www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10380

1917.43(c)(5)

Powered industrial trucks shall be maintained in safe working order. Safety devices shall not be removed or made inoperative except as otherwise provided in this section. Trucks with a fuel system leak or any other safety defect shall not be operated.

Explanation: This regulation makes it clear that it is the employers responsibility to keep lift trucks in good operating condition. This means that daily preshift inspections are done for reporting problems with equipment. It is the employers responsibility to make sure that corrections to problems found on these inspections are done in a timely fashion by a trained repair technician. Problems found that directly affect the safe operation should result in the lift truck being locked and tagged from service until needed repairs are made.

OSHA standards governing the safe operation of "Powered Industrial Trucks" are defined under standard 1917.43. Visit: www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10380

1917.43(c)(4)

Braking systems or other mechanisms used for braking shall be operable and in safe condition.

Explanation: This standard is to insure that all means to stop a lift truck or maintain its stopped position when not in operation are fully operational at all times. Both the service and parking brakes must be checked as part of your pre-shift inspection for proper operations. If either is inoperable the lift truck should not be operated until repairs are made by a properly trained service technician.

OSHA standards governing the safe operation of "Powered Industrial Trucks" are defined under standard 1917.43. Visit: www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10380

1917.43(c)(3)

Replacement parts whose function might affect operational safety shall be equivalent in strength and performance capability to the original parts which they replace.

Explanation: Replacement part sales for lift trucks is a big business. There are several different companies that provide will fit parts for all manufacturers of lift trucks. Lift truck manufacturers usually do not manufacture their own parts, they have most parts manufacturered for them ie: switches, controllers, engines, brakes etc. These companies ususally go to the manufacturers of these parts and purchase these same parts. Most likely the dealership taking care of your lift truck has a program in place to purchase will fit parts from their OEM. These programs are designed to monitor the OEM parts pricing and provide a comparable part at the same or lower price. However, the lift truck manufacturers are getting smart, they are requiring the manufacturers of their parts to sign agreements that make these parts exclusive to them. This means you will have to purchase some parts from the OEM, driving the price up. In any event, make sure that whatever parts are installed on your lift truck have a minimum standard of what the OEM requires.

OSHA standards governing the safe operation of "Powered Industrial Trucks" are defined under standard 1917.43. Visit: www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10380

1917.43(c)(2)

Batteries on all powered trucks shall be disconnected during repairs to the primary electrical system unless power is necessary for testing and repair. On trucks equipped with systems capable of storing residual energy, that energy shall be safely discharged before work on the primary electrical system begins.

Explanation: Forklifts are available in many different configurations. Forklifts are available with internal combustion engines, fueled by LPG, gasoline, diesel or natural gas. They are also available with DC industrial batteries. Either way, when repairs are needed it is necessary to disconnect the battery during maintenance. On electric models it is sometimes necessary to discharge a diode on the electrical panel (it is not recommended for someone to do this that has not been properly trained as injury can result if done improperly). It is also sometimes necessary to lock the unit out when the unit will be left unattended. Please follow your lockout-tagout policy for this procedure.

OSHA standards governing the safe operation of "Powered Industrial Trucks" are defined under standard 1917.43. Visit: www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10380

1917.43(c)(1)

Only designated persons shall perform maintenance and repair.

Explanation: Lift trucks are becoming more and more sophisticated and difficult to repair. Most manufacturers are almost making it imposible for someone other than an authorized dealer to make repairs. This regulation is in place to insure that the persons responsible for making repairs to equipment have the ability to do so. These people should be designated by the employer and trained in the safe procedures for making repairs.

OSHA standards governing the safe operation of "Powered Industrial Trucks" are defined under standard 1917.43. Visit: www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10380

1917.43(b)(12)

When cargo is being towed on pipe trucks or similar equipment, a safe means shall be provided to protect the driver from sliding loads.

Explanation: This regulation is pretty self explanatory. Make sure when towing any loads with a lift truck, tow tractor or any other type of vehicle that the operator is protected by some type of barrier from the load shifting.

OSHA standards governing the safe operation of "Powered Industrial Trucks" are defined under standard 1917.43. Visit: www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10380

1917.43(b)(11)

When powered industrial trucks use cargo lifting devices that have a means of engagement hidden from the operator, a means shall be provided to enable the operator to determine that the cargo has been engaged.

Explanation: The use of cargo lifting devices or attachments on forklift is very common. Lifting devices come in many different forms, they could be clamps, rug poles, booms, rotators or any other device installed on a lift truck which engages the load. Sometimes this device engages the load in a way that the operator cannot see when the load is completely and safely engaged. This regulation maintains that the employer must supply a way for the operator to insure that the load is safe to be lifted. A mirror could be installed on the overhead guard or even a spotter could be supplied. It is the operators responsibility to insure the load is lifted safely and the employers responsibility to give the operator all the tools to do so.

Products for lifting loads:

Fork mounted booms

Features self-storing design, infinitely adjustable locking screw, welded handle, safety chain and boom travel limiting bar. Built in rise of 2' for extra lift height. Safety chain. FOB Shipping Point.

• Precision engineering features enable lifting of 4,000 and 6,000 lb. loads.
• Infinitely adjustable reach between 80" retracted and 144" extended.

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Many other lifting products available, call for details.

Please visit the catalog for easy ordering.

OSHA standards governing the safe operation of "Powered Industrial Trucks" are defined under standard 1917.43. Visit: www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10380

1917.43(b)(10)

Steering knobs shall not be used unless the truck is equipped with power steering.

Explanation: Steering knobs are very popular on 3 wheel electric forklifts. They are also known as suicide knobs. To my knowledge all new lift trucks today are being delivered with power steering, if you choose to put one on a new lift truck it would be ok. If you are going to install one on an older forklift make sure it has power steering.

OSHA standards governing the safe operation of "Powered Industrial Trucks" are defined under standard 1917.43. Visit: www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10380

1917.43(b)(9)

If the load obstructs the forward view, the employer shall direct drivers to travel with the load trailing.

Explanation: This standard relates to the direction a lift truck should be driven when carrying a load. If a load does not hinder the view of the operator, the lift truck should be driven in the forward direction. If a load blocks the view of the operator, the lift truck should be driven in the reverse direction. Remember that loads should only be carried 4" off the floor. When traveling in the reverse direction make sure that the operator keeps his hands inside the overhead guard. DO NOT put your trailing hand on the overhead guard, there is a possibility that the hand can be pinched between the overhead guard and an obstruction. Some of the newer lift trucks being manufactured today have incorporated a handle on the right rear leg of the overhead guard. This should be used to stabilize the operator when traveling in reverse. Remember to sound your horn when approaching intersections or pedestrian areas.

Note drivers right hand on rear drive stabilizing handle.