Powered Industrial Truck Program Policy (2022).pdf

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Drew University Powered Industrial Truck Program Policy

Approving University Official(s): Vice President of Finance and Administration

Responsible Office: Office of University Facilities

Effective Date: Prior to April 2012

Next review date: July 1, 2024

Table of Contents

I. Policy Statement 2

II. Purpose 2

III. Audience 2

IV. Definitions 2

V. Procedures 2

General 2

PIT Operations 3

Traveling 4

Loading 4

Maintenance 5

Changing and Charging Storage Batteries 5

Training 6

VI. Consequences of Violating this Policy 6

VII. Related Information 6

Responsibilities of Departmental Management are as follows 6

VIII. Contacts 7

IX. History 7

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I. Policy Statement

All Facilities personnel must operate and maintain all motor powered vehicles used for

University Facilities work in a safe manner.

II. Purpose

To establish procedures and guidelines to ensure that all powered industrial trucks (PITs) are

maintained and operated in a safe manner and that only approved PITs are operated by trained

and authorized personnel in accordance with the University’s Health & Safety Policies and

Procedures.

III. Audience

The entire University Facilities Staff of the Office of University Facilities.

IV. Definitions

Load Engaging: is the part of a PIT e.g., forks, that holds the object being lifted.

PIT- The term “PIT” in this procedure shall apply to the following equipment: fork trucks,

tractors, platform lift trucks, motorized hand trucks, and other specialized industrial trucks

PIT: (Powered Industrial Trucks) in this policy shall apply to the following equipment: fork trucks,

tractors, platform lift trucks, motorized hand trucks, and other specialized industrial trucks

Unattended: A PIT is considered unattended when the operator is twenty-five feet or more

away from the vehicle which remains in view or when the operator leaves the vehicle and it is

not in view.

V. Procedures

A. General

● Ensure that newly acquired PITs meet design specifications established in the

most current ANSI standard.

● Maintain all nameplates and markings on PITs. Do not perform modifications that

affect the capacity or safety of PITs without permission from the manufacturer.

● Ensure PITs are inspected before use on each shift. Maintain records of

inspections Report all incidents involving damage or near misses during any PIT

operations.

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B. PIT Operations

● Do not drive PITs up to anyone standing in front of a bench or other fixed object.

● Do not stand, pass or allow any other person to stand or pass under the elevated

portion of any PIT whether loaded or empty.

● Do not permit a passenger to ride on a PIT that is not designed and built to

accommodate a passenger. See and comply with the Operator’s Manual for that

type PIT.

● When leaving a PIT unattended (see Definitions section), fully lower the load

engaging means, neutralize the controls, shut off the power, and set the brakes.

If the PIT is parked on an incline, block the wheels.

● Before dismounting from a PIT that will not be left unattended, fully lower the

load engaging means, neutralize the controls, and set the brakes to prevent

movement.

● Maintain a safe distance from the edge of ramps or platforms while on any

elevated dock or platform.

● Do not use PITs to open or close freight doors.

● Before loading or unloading trucks, trailers, or railroad cars, ensure that the

brakes are set and that wheel blocks are in place to prevent movement. Fixed

jacks may be necessary to support a semi-trailer during loading or unloading

when the trailer is not coupled to a tractor.

● Check the flooring of trucks and trailers for breaks and weakness before driving

PITs into trailers.

● Determine if there is sufficient headroom before traveling under overhead

installations, electrical conduit, sprinkler systems, etc.

● Use a load backrest extension whenever necessary to minimize the possibility of

the load, or part of the load, falling rearward.

● Do not use an unapproved or unrated PIT in a hazardous location. If an

appropriately rated PIT is unavailable, either use non-motorized equipment, e.g.,

pallet jack to move the load, or remove the hazard from (declassify) the location.

● Whenever a PIT is equipped with vertical-only or vertical and horizontal controls

elevatable with the lifting carriage or forks for lifting personnel, take the

following additional precautions for the protection of the personnel being

elevated.

● Use a safety platform firmly secured to the lifting carriage and/or forks.

● Ensure that the operator wears personal fall protection (e.g., body harness) while

the device is moving horizontally (see Drew University Fall Protection Program

Policy).

● Stand firmly on the floor of the basket and do not sit or climb on the edge of the

basket or guardrails on the basket, or use planks, ladders, or other devices for a

work position.

● Keep fire aisles and access to stairways and fire equipment clear.

● Do not drive PITs on non-paved or non-concrete areas, unless PIT wheels are

compatible with the surface intended to be driven on.