4/5/2014 Powered Industrial Trucks eTool

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eTools Home : Powered Industrial Trucks Safety and Health Topic Page | Credits

Types & Fundamentals Operating the Forklift The Workplace Training Assistance

Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklift) eTool

Powered industrial trucks, commonly called forklifts or lift trucks, are used in many
industries, primarily to move materials. They can be used to move, raise, lower, or
remove large objects or a number of smaller objects on pallets or in boxes, crates, or
other containers.

The hazards commonly associated with powered industrial trucks vary depending on the
vehicle type and the workplace where the truck is used. Each type of truck presents
different operating hazards. For example, a sit-down, counterbalanced high lift rider
truck is more likely than a motorized hand truck to be involved in a falling load accident,
because the sit-down rider truck can lift a load much higher than a hand truck. Types and Fundamentals
Workplace conditions also present different hazards. For example, retail establishments
often face greater challenges than other worksites in maintaining pedestrian safety.

The best way to protect employees from injury also depends on the type of truck
operated and worksite where it is being used. This eTool* specifically provides
information on OSHA's Powered Industrial Truck requirements [29 CFR 1910.178] and
industry best practices addressing:

Types and Fundamentals

The differing types and fundamentals of powered trucks

Operating the Forklift Operating the Forklift

The basic operating rules and safe work practices

Understanding the Workplace

How workplace conditions can affect safe operation

Training Assistance
Operator training required by OSHA

Note: This eTool is intended as a resource for providing

training under OSHA's Powered Industrial Truck standard.
This eTool focuses on powered industrial trucks commonly
used in general industry. It is not a substitute for any of the
provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970,
for the powered industrial truck standard, or for any other
OSHA standards. It is also not a substitute for a powered
industrial truck operator training program.

It is a violation of Federal law for anyone

UNDER 18 years of age to operate a forklift
or for anyone OVER 18 years of age who is not properly trained and
certified to do so. [More...]

*eTools are "stand-alone", interactive, Web-based training tools on occupational safety and health topics. They utilize graphical
menus as well as expert system modules. As indicated in the disclaimer, eTools do not create new OSHA requirements.

Types & Fundamentals | Operating the Forklift | Understanding the Workplace | Training Assistance
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4/5/2014 Powered Industrial Trucks eTool
Types & Fundamentals | Operating the Forklift | Understanding the Workplace | Training Assistance
eTools Home : Powered Industrial Trucks Safety and Health Topic Page | Credits

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