Hazardous
Waste
Contents
1. Introduction..............................................................................1
2. Regulatory and contractual requirements.................................1
3. Training..1
4. Program administration............................................................2
5. Maintenance Procedures...........................................................3
6. Recordkeeping...4
Attachments:
A. Written test for forklift operators.5
B. Operator's Daily Checklist (gas, LPG, diesel).........................7
C. Operator's Daily Checklist (electric)......................................8
1. Introduction
This Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program shall ensure safe operation of forklifts in compliance
with OSHA requirements. Powered Industrial Trucks (referred to as forklifts in this SOP) are used for
material handling. These may include fork, platform, and motorized hand trucks, as well as other
specialized units powered by electric motors or internal combustion engines.
3. Training
3.1 The Facility Manager is the designated staff responsible for coordinating all equipment training.
Only trained staff shall be authorized to operate forklifts and shall be trained in the following:
Workplace-related topics or hazards due to the characteristics of the workplace (e.g., surface
conditions, proper loading, pedestrian traffic)
Hands-on training
2 . 8 P o w e r e d I n d u s t r i a l Tru c k s ( F o r k l i f t s )
3.3 Initial training shall be conducted prior to operating forklifts. Operators practical skills shall be reevaluated once every three years. Refresher training shall be provided whenever the:
conditions in the workplace change in a manner that could affect safe forklift operation
3.4 Training shall be performed by persons who have the knowledge, qualifications, and experience to
Instruct operators and evaluate their competence. Operator certifications may be revoked due to
unsafe actions. Designated staff is responsible for:
coordinating training
revoking operator certification if it becomes apparent that the operator seriously endangers
him/herself, other staff and/or property
certifying that each operator has been trained and has passed a written test and a practical
evaluation
4. Program administration
4.1 Written policy. Designated staff shall be responsible for:
ensuring preventative maintenance and repair of forklifts; see SOP 5.1 Equipment Maintenance
2 . 8 P o w e r e d I n d u s t r i a l Tru c k s ( F o r k l i f t s )
5. Maintenance procedures
5.1 Forklift inspection and maintenance
Each forklift shall be inspected by the first operator prior to starting a new shift. Completed
inspection checklists shall be reviewed by designated staff and kept on file for at least six months. If
deficiencies are noted that prevent safe operation, the forklift shall be taken out of service until the
repairs have been completed. Check with the equipment manufacturer for additional
recommendations and/or inspection checklists. To view an example inspection checklist (or use an
equivalent form); see Attachments B & C of this SOP.
ensuring metallic objects (tools) are kept away from battery terminals and unguarded
conductors
ensuring an eyewash station is positioned nearby if there is a risk of acid splashing in the
battery charging area
ensuring only trained and authorized staff remove batteries from forklifts
be conducted quarterly
ensure tail-pipe exhaust gases do not contain more than one percent carbon monoxide
(measured at idle and at three-fourths throttle during final engine tuning in a regular
maintenance program)
2 . 8 P o w e r e d I n d u s t r i a l Tru c k s ( F o r k l i f t s )
kept as close as possible to the forklift with the forks tilted back slightly
kept safe by using dock boards (bridge plates) constructed with sufficient strength, when
loading or unloading operations are taking place between vehicles and docks
when left unattended, the forks shall be lowered, the power shall be shut off, and the parking
brakes shall be engaged
no driving in areas where potential flammable gases or vapors may be present, unless the
forklift is especially designed for that purpose
while parked: do not block exits, accesses to stairways, eyewash stations, electrical panels, or
fire equipment
driving slowly and sounding horn when passing through areas with an obstructed view
preventing stunt driving and horseplay as such behavior shall be subject to disciplinary action
ensuring provisions are made to assure no one will be passing directly under hoisted or
suspended loads
6. Recordkeeping
6.1 Designated staff shall maintain the following records:
2 . 8 P o w e r e d I n d u s t r i a l Tru c k s ( F o r k l i f t s )
Certification of training which includes the name of operator, date of training, evaluation, and
name of trainer.
2 . 8 P o w e r e d I n d u s t r i a l Tru c k s ( F o r k l i f t s )
2 . 8 P o w e r e d I n d u s t r i a l Tru c k s ( F o r k l i f t s )
b.
c.
d.
Lift cylinder
Forks
Carriage
14. Loads should be carried with the mast tilted forward.
a. True
b. False
15. Data plates provide information on the trucks:
a. Height and width dimensions
b. Type of liquid fuel
c. Maximum lift height
d. Required safety equipment
16. OSHA requires that employers offer operator training.
a. True
b. False
Answers:
1. D
2. T
3. T
4. Cage
5. F
6. B
7. A
8. F
9. B
10. T
11. C
12. T
13. A
14. F
15. C
16. A
17. F
18. A
2 . 8 P o w e r e d I n d u s t r i a l Tru c k s ( F o r k l i f t s )
Attachment B
Visual checks:
Operational checks
Horn
Fuel level
Tire condition
Hydraulic controls
Temperature gauge
Hour meter
Steering
Other:
Unit cleanliness
Other:
Date
Operator
Battery
connection
Battery
charge
Brakes
Lights
/horn
Hour
meter
Steering
/tires
Hydraulics
Forks
Overhead
guards
Other
Attachment C
Visual checks:
Operational checks:
Horn
Tire condition
Steering
Hydraulic controls
Hour meter
Other:
Operator
Battery
connection
Battery
charge
Brakes
Lights
/horn
Hour
meter
Steering
/tires
Hydraulics
Forks
Overhead
guards
Other