FAQ's
Common Forklift Questions & Answers (United States)
The primary reference source of the information in this form is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) general industry and construction regulations.
Common Forklift Questions & Answers (BC, Canada)
The primary reference source of the information in this form is the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) of British Columbia's Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR).
Common Forklift Questions & Answers
Question #1:
Can anyone weld on or modify railing?
Can anyone weld on or modify railing?
Bob says: Modifications or alterations of any aerial platform shall be made only with prior written permission of the manufacturer.
Question #2:
Are qualified Aerial Boom lift trainers able to teach employees on scissor lifts without having to go through elevating lift platform certification?
Are qualified Aerial Boom lift trainers able to teach employees on scissor lifts without having to go through elevating lift platform certification?
Bob says: A trainer must be knowledgeable of the work, the hazards involved and the means to control those hazards by way of knowledge training and/or experience.
If the person conducting the training on your scissor lift is knowledgeable on the technical ins and outs of the equipment and knows how to train effectively then there is no need to go through additional training.
However, if the trainer wishes to be recognized as a certified IVES trainer on scissor lifts, then he/she would have to attend an trainer upgrade class.
If the person conducting the training on your scissor lift is knowledgeable on the technical ins and outs of the equipment and knows how to train effectively then there is no need to go through additional training.
However, if the trainer wishes to be recognized as a certified IVES trainer on scissor lifts, then he/she would have to attend an trainer upgrade class.
Question #3:
How long can fork extensions be?
How long can fork extensions be?
Bob says: Fork extensions should not be longer than 150% of the supporting forks length. ASME B56.1 - 2000. That is to say for example, you have a standard fork length of 48 inches 4 ft. and have added extensions that are at the maximum allowable length, your forks will now measure 72 inches. 6 ft. in length.
Question #4:
Do enclosed cabs require a rearview mirror? (Specific to Canadian standards only)
Do enclosed cabs require a rearview mirror? (Specific to Canadian standards only)
Bob says: There is no requirement for rear view mirrors in enclosed cabs however, if the operators rear vision is somehow restricted by the cab, it is recommended that a rear view mirror be present.
Question #5:
Are there any regulations pertaining to headroom/height clearance for a forklift that is operated by a large operator?
Are there any regulations pertaining to headroom/height clearance for a forklift that is operated by a large operator?
Bob says: There are no regulations or standards that define what amount of headroom is necessary. ANSI/ASME B56.1, 2000 says that there must be a minimum of 35 inches of clearance between the operators seat and the underside of the overhead guard but that's as close as it gets to mentioning anything about clearances relative to the overhead guard.
Question #6:
Is it permissible to use a tank that is usually mounted in a vertical position on a forklift, on a JLG that has tanks that are mounted horizontally? How can you identify a vertical tank from a horizontal one?
Is it permissible to use a tank that is usually mounted in a vertical position on a forklift, on a JLG that has tanks that are mounted horizontally? How can you identify a vertical tank from a horizontal one?
Bob says: For the proper usage of the tank please check with your propane handler/supplier and you may also want to check with the manufacturer.
Most tanks today are dual-purpose tanks, meaning that they can be used in a vertical as well as a horizontal position. A quick and easy way to tell is to look at the fuel gage on the tank and see if there are readings for both vertical and horizontal positioning.
Most tanks today are dual-purpose tanks, meaning that they can be used in a vertical as well as a horizontal position. A quick and easy way to tell is to look at the fuel gage on the tank and see if there are readings for both vertical and horizontal positioning.
Question #7:
I have been asked to re-certify a bunch of guys who do not have their original operator documentation. Is this O.K. or do I need to have them attend an operator certification program?
I have been asked to re-certify a bunch of guys who do not have their original operator documentation. Is this O.K. or do I need to have them attend an operator certification program?
Bob says: If you did not initially train the operators in question then you need to establish if they have received the required training. The only way to establish prior training is to see their initial certification documentation. If they cannot prove that initial certification has taken place then the re-certification training will not mean a thing.
Question #8:
What are the requirements for forklifts, in terms of lights and horns when moving in reverse? (Specific to US regulations only)
What are the requirements for forklifts, in terms of lights and horns when moving in reverse? (Specific to US regulations only)
Bob says: The machine(s) should already be equipped with an operator controlled horn that can be sounded at blind corners and cross aisles, but when looking for requirements for back up alarms or back up lights there is very little written in 1910.178(l) in regards to these issues. Remember though that OSHA has several reference points in which to turn to. (ANSI/ASME B56.1- 2000, General Duty Clause, Manufacturers Recommendations and in-company policy to name a few.)
1) ANSI/ASME Standard B56.1-2000 - 4.15 Warning Device
It says here that the user shall determine if the operating conditions require the truck to be equipped with additional sound producing or visual (such as lights or blinkers) devices, and be responsible for providing and maintaining such devices.
2) General Duty Clause
Would equipping your powered industrial trucks with back up alarms reduce any potential hazards?
3) Look through your Manufacturers Operating Manual for their recommendations.
4) In-company policy - your company may have a policy in place that stipulates what is required. If this is a requirement under company policy OSHA would then view it as a requirement.
Remember these requirements allow employers some flexibility in determining the best method to warn of the danger of a moving vehicle, especially when a drivers view is obstructed.
1) ANSI/ASME Standard B56.1-2000 - 4.15 Warning Device
It says here that the user shall determine if the operating conditions require the truck to be equipped with additional sound producing or visual (such as lights or blinkers) devices, and be responsible for providing and maintaining such devices.
2) General Duty Clause
Would equipping your powered industrial trucks with back up alarms reduce any potential hazards?
3) Look through your Manufacturers Operating Manual for their recommendations.
4) In-company policy - your company may have a policy in place that stipulates what is required. If this is a requirement under company policy OSHA would then view it as a requirement.
Remember these requirements allow employers some flexibility in determining the best method to warn of the danger of a moving vehicle, especially when a drivers view is obstructed.
If you have not found the answer to your question in the section, please feel free to contact our customer service department via live help, email, or our toll free number. we will be pleased to assist in anyway possible.
