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Training and Reference Materials > Powered Industrial Trucks > Summary of Standard

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Powered Industrial Truck Operator Training
Standard Summary

Effective March 1, 1999, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revised its previous requirements for powered industrial truck operator training (codified at 29 CFR 1910.178(l)) and issued new requirements to improve the training of these operators. The requirements are intended to reduce the number of injuries and deaths that occur as a result of inadequate operator training. They apply to all industries (general industry, construction, shipyards, marine terminals, and longshoring operations) in which the trucks are being used, except agricultural operations. These provisions mandate a training program that bases the amount and type of training required on: the operator’s prior knowledge and skill; the types of powered
industrial trucks the operator will operate in the workplace; the hazards present in the workplace; and the operator’s demonstrated ability to operate a powered industrial truck safely. Refresher training is required if: the operator is involved in an accident or a near-miss incident; the operator has been observed operating the vehicle in an unsafe manner; the operator has been determined during an evaluation to need additional training; there are changes in the workplace that could affect safe operation of the truck; or the operator is assigned to operate a different type of truck. Evaluations of each operator’s performance are required as part of the initial and refresher training, and at least once every three years.

OSHA estimated that this rule will prevent 11 deaths and 9,422 injuries per year and that the annualized cost of this rule is approximately $16.9 million for all affected industries.

Effective Date: The effective date was March 1, 1999.

Compliance Dates: The dates by which powered industrial truck operators must be
trained are shown on the following table.

 
If the employee was hired:

 		 The initial training and evaluation of that employee must be completed:
 
Before December 1, 1999. By December 1, 1999.
After December 1, 1999. Before the employee is assigned to operate a powered
industrial truck.

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