Powered Industrial Truck Training & Maintenance: Get a Lift

 

Powered industrial trucks (PIT), commonly called forklifts, are a workplace vehicle used to lift, carry, and transport heavy loads in industrial and warehouse settings. They are widely used in manufacturing, distribution centers, construction sites and other industries where the efficient movement and stacking of materials is a daily task. Powered Industrial Truck Training is important to ensure a driver is competent to operate a PIT.

 

By regularly maintaining and inspecting your powered industrial truck fleet and properly training your employees with formal instruction, you can enhance the reliability, safety and efficiency of your fleet while minimizing downtime and repair costs. Proper maintenance and training also contribute to the longevity of powered industrial trucks, maximizing the return on investment for the employer.

 

Powered Industrial Truck Training and Maintenance Tips

Whether you are looking to get your staff trained for the first time or get some refresher training, it’s important to get your drivers up to the OSHA standard. Inspection and maintenance are also key to maintaining workplace safety.

 

Maintaining Your Powered Industrial Truck

Regular maintenance and inspection are crucial in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of powered industrial trucks.

 

By conducting regular inspections of powered industrial trucks, you can identify potential issues before they escalate. Inspections typically include checking fluid levels, inspecting brakes, examining tires and ensuring that all safety features are functional. By addressing these types of issues promptly, you can prevent further damage and minimize downtime.

 

If routine maintenance is being done in-house, repair personnel should undergo training and certification to work on powered industrial truck maintenance. This includes understanding the specific components of forklifts (hydraulic systems, electrical systems, the engine), safety procedures, and compliance with regulations.

 

After completing any repairs or maintenance, employees should conduct thorough testing to ensure that the powered industrial truck operates correctly and safely. Quality assurance measures help verify the effectiveness of the repair work.

 

Proper documentation of repairs, replacements and maintenance activities is also essential. Documentation helps in tracking the history of the forklift and aids in future troubleshooting.

 

And remember, while there is an investment in maintaining and inspecting your powered industrial trucks, it is more cost-effective than dealing with the consequences of an equipment failure later on. Regular maintenance also helps ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, avoiding potential fines or legal issues.

 

Related: Keep your facility safe with proper spill control. Learn more about sorbents in our recent article. 

 

Wesco Offers Powered Industrial Truck Training Courses and OSHA Certification

OSHA requires all operators of powered industrial trucks to undergo training and certification before starting a forklift driving job. The Powered Industrial Truck Training (including formal instruction and practical exercises), will cover topics such as load handling, maneuvering and understanding the powered industrial truck's capabilities.

 

The training requirements dictate that every Powered Industrial Truck Training is unique to each employer/workplace, as the potential hazards and PIT available may differ from place to place. If an operator is assigned to drive a different type of forklift, they will need to be certified in that truck to operate it safely.

 

Once the training is complete, the operator must demonstrate their knowledge of safe operation of forklifts by taking both a written test and a skills test. This evaluation must be done by a qualified trainer and the certification must be renewed every three years or immediately after an accident/incident occurs.

 

The employer is responsible for ensuring that operators are trained, and forklifts are maintained in accordance with OSHA regulations.

 

Our Safety Support Team is available to provide powered industrial truck training that will keep your organization in compliance with OSHA regulations. Please contact us today to learn more.

 

Use Proper PPE When Working With Powered Industrial Trucks

Prioritize safety when repairing or maintaining your powered industrial truck. Ensure that forklifts are properly secured before any repair work begins. Follow your organization's safety protocols and guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries.

 

Wesco offers a wide variety of personal protection products that can assist you when maintaining and repairing your powered industrial trucks.

 

Direct Safety® Dakota Safety Glasses

This versatile and economical safety eyewear offers the flexibility to fit any face shape. One-piece wraparound clear polycarbonate lens produces full brow protection and a wide, unobstructed field of vision.

 

KleenGuard™ Nemesis™ Safety Glasses

The Nemesis combines single-lens wraparound protection with a sleek, sporty style. Glasses feature lightweight construction and soft-touch temples for all-day comfort. Polarized lenses reduce glare and lessen eye strain and fatigue.

 

Direct Safety® Mechanics Gloves

These gloves feature synthetic leather palms that offer superior abrasion resistance. The pre-curved design follows the natural curve of the hand. Gloves feature neoprene knuckles to absorb shock, a breathable knit back, and a comfortable shirred elastic slip-on wrist for easy on/off.

• Open wrist and micro-fiber palm
  
• Hi-Vis yellow spandex back with black neoprene knuckle zone and reflective piping borders
  
• Constructed of nylon, spandex, polyester, and polyurethane
  

 

Cordova Grain Cowhide Drivers Gloves

Cowhide is the most common type of leather glove. The advantages of cowhide include comfort, excellent abrasion resistance and breathability. Grain cowhide drivers gloves provide excellent hand protection and extended wear. Keystone thumb maximizes durability and dexterity.

 

Feel free to contact our Safety Support Team to help you select the PPE for working with powered industrial trucks or to schedule your Powered Industrial Truck Training. In almost any situation you have, we can offer you options that best fit your budget or specific needs, allowing your employees to work comfortably and efficiently.