Forklifts and Other Powered Industrial Trucks

Chapter 296-863, WAC

Effective Date: 04/01/07
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WAC 296-863-600

Training

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Your Responsibility

To make sure PIT operators are competent

You must

Make sure PIT operators are trained

WAC 296-863-60005

Retrain PIT operators as required

WAC 296-863-60010
Evaluate PIT operators performance WAC 296-863-60015

 

WAC 296-863-60005

Make sure PIT operators are trained

You must

  • Make sure employees successfully complete an operator training program before operating PITs. The only time a trainee can operate a PIT is:
    • - Under the direct supervision of a person who has the knowledge, training, and experience to train and evaluate operators
      and
    • - When operating the PIT doesn't endanger the trainee or other employees.
  • Make sure training is done by you, or someone you designate, that has the knowledge, training, and experience to:
    • - Conduct the training
      and
    • - Evaluate trainee competence.
  • Make sure your operator training program consists of:
    • - Formal instruction
        • Such as lecture and discussion, interactive computer learning, video tapes, and written material.
    • - Practical training
        • Such as demonstrations done by the trainer and practical exercises performed by trainees.
    • - Evaluation of trainee performance
  • Make sure the initial operator training program covers the subjects in Table 4, Required Training Topics.

Note

Note:

  • If an operator has previously received training specified in
    Table 4, Required Training Topics, additional training in that topic isn't required if:
    • - The training was appropriate to the PIT and working conditions in your workplace
    • and
    • - The employee has passed a PIT performance evaluation within the last 3 years.

 Table 4
Required Training Topics

Topics related to powered industrial truck

Topics related to your workplace

  • Operating instructions
  • Surface conditions where the PIT will be operated
  • Warnings and precautions for the types of PIT the operator will be authorized to operate
  • Composition of loads to be carried and load stability
  • Differences between the PIT and the automobile
  • Load manipulation, stacking, and unstacking
  • PIT controls and instrumentation: Where they are located, what they do, and how they work
  • Pedestrian traffic in areas where the PIT will be operated
  • Engine or motor operation
  • Narrow aisles and other restricted places where the PIT will be operated
  • Steering and maneuvering
  • Use of door opening and closing devices
  • Visibility (including restrictions due to loading)
  • Hazardous (classified) locations where the PIT will be operated
  • Fork and attachment adaptation, operation, and use limitations
  • Ramps and other sloped surfaces that could affect the PITs stability
  • PIT capacity
  • Closed environments and other areas where insufficient ventilation or poor PIT maintenance could cause a buildup of carbon monoxide or diesel exhaust
  • PIT stability
  • Other unique or potentially hazardous environmental conditions in the workplace that could affect safe operation
  • Any PIT inspection and maintenance that the operator will be required to perform

 

  • Refueling

 

  • Charging and recharging of batteries

 

  • Operating limitations

 

  • Any other operating instructions, warnings, or precautions listed in the operator's manual for the types of PIT that the employee is being trained to operate

 

You must

  • Keep written records of operator training and evaluations that include the following information:
    • - Name of the operator
    • - Date of the training
    • - Date of the evaluation
    • - Name of the person giving the training or evaluation.

WAC 296-863-60010

Retrain PIT operators as required

You must

  • Provide PIT operators refresher training if any of the following occur:
    • - The operator is involved in an accident or near-miss incident
    • - The operator is seen operating the PIT in an unsafe manner
    • - An evaluation shows the operator isn't operating the PIT safely
    • - The operator is assigned to drive a different type or modified PIT
    • - Conditions in the workplace change that could affect safe operation of the PIT.

Note

Note:

  • Refresher training is required only in those topics where the operator has been found deficient.

WAC 296-863-60015

Evaluate PIT operators performance

You must

  • Evaluate PIT operators performance at each of these times:
    • - As part of their initial training program
    • - After refresher training to determine the effectiveness of the training
    • - At least once every 3 years.

 

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