Lift-Rite,
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Toll Free from USA: 1-800-558-6012, Greene, NY 13778, Publication Number 1234959D ©2022 Dated 14 Sep 2022
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SELECTED OSHA REGULATIONS FOR LIFT TRUCKS
Note: Some or all of the following may not be applicable to your hand pallet lift truck.
The use of forklift trucks in the workplace is governed by various regulations. In the United States, the Federal
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued regulations which cover the majority of workplaces.
In addition, several states have implemented regulations which apply instead of the Federal regulations.
Check with your local OSHA office or provincial Labor Bureau to confirm which regulations govern your workplace.
Because of their wide applicability, this section of your manual lists several parts of the Federal OSHA regulations that
might be of particular importance to your workplace.
The full text of the Federal regulations can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations at 29 CFR Section 1910.178.
The following citations are followed by a reference to the appropriate subparagraph of the regulations.
• 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. (a) (3)
• The user shall see that all nameplates and markings are in place and are maintained in a legible condition. (a) (6)
• The employer shall ensure that each powered industrial truck operator is competent to operate a powered
industrial truck safely, as demonstrated by the successful completion of the training and evaluation specified in
this paragraph. (l) (1) (i)
• Prior to permitting an employee to operate a powered industrial truck (except for training purposes), the employer
shall ensure that each operator has successfully completed the training required by this paragraph. (l) (1) (ii)
• Trainees may operate a powered industrial truck only under the direct supervision of persons who have the
knowledge, training, and experience to train operators and evaluate their competence and where such operation
does not endanger the trainee or other employees. (l) (2) (i) (A) (B)
• Training shall consist of a combination of formal instruction (e.g. lecture, discussion, interactive computer
learning, videotape, written material), practical training (demonstrations performed by the trainer and practical
exercises performed by the trainee), and evaluation of the operator’s performance in the workplace. (l) (2) (B) (ii)
[Editorial Note: For required training program content, refer to (l) (3) (i) (A-M) and (l) (3) (ii) (A-I).]
• Refresher training, including an evaluation of the effectiveness of that training, shall be conducted as required by
paragraph (l) (4) (ii) to ensure that the operator has the knowledge and skills needed to operate the powered
industrial truck safely. (l) (4) (i)
• An evaluation of each powered industrial truck operator’s performance shall be conducted at least once every three
years. (l) (4) (iii)
• The employer shall certify that each operator has been trained and evaluated as required by this paragraph (l). The
certification shall include the name of the operator, the date of the training, the date of the evaluation, and the
identity of the person(s) performing the training or evaluation. (l) (6)
• The employer shall prohibit arms or legs from being placed between the uprights of the mast or outside the running
lines of the truck. (m) (4)
• Brakes shall be set and wheel blocks shall be in place to prevent movement of trucks, trailers or railroad cars while
loading or unloading. Fixed jacks may be necessary to support a semitrailer when the trailer is not coupled to a
tractor. The flooring of trucks, trailers, and railroad cars shall be checked for breaks and weakness before they are
driven onto. (m) (7)
• Only approved industrial trucks shall be used in hazardous locations. (m) (11)
