Forklift Man Basket

Q:  Can we attach a man basket to the forklift? Also, can it be moved while an employee is in it?

A:  OSHA permits the use of personnel platforms on forklifts as long as the manufacture approves it.  You would need to contact the manufacturer of the forklift to see if they permit it’s use.  The manufacturer would also be able to provide you with the new forklift specifications (center of gravity, weight limit, etc.) when using the platform.  Riding on a forklift is not permitted due to the tipping hazard so the employee would need to exit the platform before it is moved.

Forklift and Aerial Lift Certifications

Q: How often do the men need to be certified to operate rough terrain forklifts and aerial lifts?

A:  Forklift operators need to be re-certified every 3 years or more frequently if any of the following conditions occur:

·The operator has been observed to operate the vehicle in an unsafe manner

·The operator has been involved in an accident or near-miss incident

·The operator has received an evaluation that reveals that the operator is not operating the truck safely

·The operator is assigned to drive a different type of truck; or

·A condition in the workplace changes in a manner that could affect safe operation of the truck.

OSHA doesn’t have a specific frequency for aerial lift training.  Training must be completed initially and when/if any of the following conditions occur:

·An accident occurs during aerial lift use,

·Workplace hazards involving an aerial lift are discovered, or

·A different type of aerial lift is use

Contact us today to get re-certified!

Forklift Man Baskets

Q: Are man baskets allowed by OSHA?

A: Forklift man baskets are allowed by OSHA as long as you use them the correct way the manufacture designed them to be used.  When employees are inside the man basket they need to have a fall arrest harness on and tied off with a lanyard to ensure they cannot be ejected.

PPE For Changing Forklift Battery

Q: Is there any specific PPE that is required for changing/checking a forklift battery?

A: It is recommended that vinyl-coated, PVC, or gauntlet-type gloves with a rough finish are worn, also chemical splash goggles or face shield, safety shoes and an apron. Though OSHA does not require these items to be worn, they would have you refer to the individual MSDS and commonly the items stated above are the minimal required items.

Fire Extinguisher’s on Forklifts

Q: What would be your recommendation for fire extinguishers on forklift trucks; is this mandatory by OSHA?

A: If the forklift comes from the manufacturer with a fire extinguisher then it must be properly maintained and inspected. If it does not come with one then it falls under OSHA’s fire extinguisher regulation. Whether it is fueled by propane, gas/diesel, or battery then it would be considered a Class B fire hazard and is required to be within 50 feet of a fire extinguisher at all times. If the forklift is operated outside of the 50 foot travel distance then it is recommended that one be mounted on the forklift. Lastly, all modifications and additions to forklifts need to be approved by the manufacturer.

To see if your facility is OSHA compliant, contact LSCI to set up a mock OSHA inspection.

Forklift License

Q: Does an employee need a valid drivers license to operate a forklift?

A:  The employee is required to be trained and certified to operate the forklift in the workplace.  Training and certification shall be documented.  An operators performance shall be evaluated every 3 years.

Forklift Train the Trainer

Q:  Does the forklift trainer need to be recertified to train the operators?

A:  No, OSHA does not have any requirements for recertifying the forklift trainer.  However, if the trainer also operates any forklifts then the trainer would need to be recertified to do so every 3 years.

Forklift

Q: Can you attach a man basket on a forklift that is manufactured by a different company?

A: You must have the manufactures approval when using any attachment on the forklift.  It will vary forklift to forklift, so you will need to contact the forklift manufacture for an answer.

Forklifts

Q: Do the fork extensions have to reach to the other side of the load?

A: OSHA states in “1910.178(o)(5) A load engaging means shall be placed under the load AS FAR AS POSSIBLE; the mast shall be carefully tilted backward to stabilize the load.” 

Also keep in mind that you do not exceed the forklifts manufactures load capacity.

Forklift Training Verification

Q: Do our employees need to have their forklift certification cards on them at all times, or could they be in their lockers here at work?  

A:  OSHA requires that you as a company maintain records verifying that your employees were in fact trained on forklifts. It is not necessary for your employees to keep a card on them at all times.  However, you may hand the cards out to employees and make a copy for yourself to keep on record. This way you have two forms of documentation, one being the training logs from the training and the copy of the cards being the other.

Forklift

Q: How long are forklift 'train the trainer' certifications good for?

A: Indefinitely as long as the employee has training, authorization from the company, and demonstrates competency as a trainer.

Learn more about OSHA forklift training and all OSHA training courses available from Lancaster Safety.

Forklift Seat Belts

Q: If a forklift was not originally manufactured with a seat belt, does the employer have to install a seat belt?

A: OHSA's enforcement policy relative to the use of seat belts on powered industrial trucks is that employers are obligated to require operators of powered industrial trucks which are equipped with operator restraint devices or seat belts to use the devices. OSHA may also issue citations if the employer has not taken advantage of a manufacturer operator restraint system or seat belt retrofit program.

Forklift

Q: Can a forklift engine be left running if the driver steps off the vehicle for a few moments?

A: Yes, but only if the following conditions apply:

1910.178(m)(5)(i) When a powered industrial truck is left unattended, load engaging means shall be fully lowered, controls shall be neutralized, power shall be shut off, and brakes set. Wheels shall be blocked if the truck is parked on an incline.

1910.178(m)(5)(ii) A powered industrial truck is unattended when the operator is 25 ft. or more away from the vehicle which remains in his view, or whenever the operator leaves the vehicle and it is not in his view.

1910.178(m)(5)(iii) When the operator of an industrial truck is dismounted and within 25 ft. of the truck still in his view, the load engaging means shall be fully lowered, controls neutralized, and the brakes set to prevent movement.

Forklift

Q: How wide do the aisles for the forklift traffic have to be?

A: The aisle must be at least 3 feet wider than your widest piece of equipment.

Forklift

Q: What is the OSHA regulation for covering the top of a forklift to stay dry when it rains?  Is there an OSHA approved add-on for this purpose?

A: In OSHA’s Forklift Regulation there is nothing that is specific about adding modifications to the forklift to protect the employee from rain.  What the regulation does state is that prior to adding any modification you need the manufacturer’s written approval, but this is only if these modifications are going to affect the capacity and safe operation of the forklift.  See the regulation below.  I would recommend calling the company that manufactures your forklift and ask them if they have any additions that add rain protection and to check with them to ensure it will not affect the load capacity.

•29 CFR 1910.178(a)(4) Modifications and additions which affect capacity and safe operation shall not be performed by the customer or user without manufacturers prior written approval. Capacity, operation, and maintenance instruction plates, tags, or decals shall be changed accordingly.

Forklift

Q: Are there any requirements on how strong guardrails need to be when there is forklift traffic near the area?

A:  The only requirement for the strength of a guardrail is 200 pounds.  There is no regulation for guardrail strength for forklift traffic because it would have to be “extremely heavy duty.”  However, 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(6) states : “A safe distance shall be maintained from the edge of ramps or platforms while on any elevated dock, or platform or freight car.”  The best thing to do is effectively communicate and enforce safe driving practices while on the dock and ramp.  He mentioned that some companies have installed rumble strips near edges to warn drivers that they are getting close.

Forklift Mounted Man Basket

Q: Is there an actual OSHA requirement relating to a forklift mounted man basket?  If not, what other “rules” apply to this type of equipment?

A: There is not an actual general industry standard concerning mounted man baskets on forklifts.  However companies must abide by The American National Standards Institute (ANSI).  ANSI’s standard regarding mounted man baskets on forklifts is B56.6.  In this standard it covers the design, training, and machine requirements.  Listed below are a few examples as to what it covers.

• Requires both the forklift operator and the employee in the man basket to be properly trained on the use of the work platform.
• Requires the employees to be trained on the use of seat belts, lanyards, and the use of hard hats.
• Requires the forklift operator to have training on inspecting the man basket, attaching the man basket, as well as how to properly operate the man basket when employees are inside.
• Requires that both sides of the man basket lock into place on the forklift so the basket will not slide.
• The use of the man basket is to be the last option.
• Requires safety belt attachment points.
• Ladders are not allowed inside of the man basket to reach high.
• A first aid kit and fire extinguisher must be inside the man basket.
• The forklift operator can only move the platform up and down when employees are inside of the basket.
• The basket is required to have the following – two boards, handrails, a gate locked in place, and a load capacity.