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Training and Reference Materials > Powered Industrial Trucks > Sample PIT Operator Training Program Outline

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SAMPLE POWERED INDUSTRIAL TRUCK (PIT)
OPERATOR TRAINING PROGRAM OUTLINE*

  1. Introduction
    1. Overview of the program
    2. Goal of the program: to provide a training program based on the trainee’s prior knowledge, the types of vehicles used in the workplace, and the hazards of the workplace.
    3. Course will utilize video, group discussion and hands-on practice. Each operator must obtain the knowledge and skills needed to do their job correctly and safely.
  2. Types, Features, and Physics
    1. Familiarize each operator with the basic types and functions of powered industrial trucks.
    2. Develop an understanding of the information shown on a data plate.
    3. Understand the critical truck measurements that affect safety.
    4. Understand the forces that cause tipovers, and the truck design considerations and safety ratings that help prevent them, including the "stability triangle."
  3. Inspecting the vehicle
    1. Understand the purpose and importance of pre-operational checkouts.
    2. Provide a basic understanding of areas covered during a pre-operational checkout.
    3. Familiarize each operator with a checklist for pre-operational checkouts, and what to do if a problem is discovered.
  4. Driving the Truck
    1. Understand the elements of safe movement of a powered industrial truck.
    2. Understand the differences between an automobile and a powered industrial truck.
    3. Recognize the safety hazards associated with operating a powered industrial.
  5. Load Handling
    1. Understand the elements of load lifting safety.
    2. Understand the safe operating procedures for raising and lowering loads in aisles.
  6. LPG for Lift Trucks
    1. Discuss LPG and its properties.
    2. Understand the elements and procedures of safely refueling internal combustion vehicles.
    3. Describe tank components: service valve, surge valve, relief valve, etc.
    4. Discuss related safety issues.
  7. Battery and Charging
    1. Understand the elements and procedures of safely changing and charging batteries.
    2. Discuss filling procedures and maintenance.
    3. Discuss related safety issues.
  8. Safety Concerns
    1. Review/reinforce potential of serious injury
    2. Review/reinforce safety procedures in your facility.
  9. Specific Truck and Workplace Training/Hands-On
    1. Review features of specific PIT’s to be operated.
    2. Review operating procedures of specific PIT’s to be operated.
    3. Review safety concerns of specific PIT’s to be operated.
    4. Review workplace conditions and safety concerns of areas where PIT’s will be operated.
    5. Learn/practice actual operation of specific PIT’s to be operated and specific workplace conditions where PIT’s will be operated.
    6. Demonstrate proficiency performing the powered industrial truck operator duties specific to the trainee’s position and workplace conditions.
  10. Certification of Completion of the Course

*This outline is intended as a resource in implementing a powered industrial truck operator training program. It is not a substitute for any standards issued by the U. S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA’s Office of Training and Education wishes to acknowledge Material Handling Services for contributing some of the information used in this outline. This acknowledgment does not imply endorsement by the U. S. Department of Labor.
 
 
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