Wash. Admin. Code § 296-307-52029

Current through Register Vol. 24-23, December 1, 2024

Section 296-307-52029 - Operator training requirements for powered industrial trucks

(1)Safe operation.

(a) The employer must ensure that each powered industrial truck operator is trained in the safe operation of a powered industrial truck, and is competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely.

(b) Prior to permitting an employee to operate a powered industrial truck (except for training purposes), the employer must ensure that each operator has successfully completed the training required by this section.

(2)Training program implementation.

(a) Trainees may operate a powered industrial truck only under the direct supervision of persons who have the knowledge, training, and experience to train operators and where such operation does not endanger the trainee or other employees.

Note:

The employer, or any other qualified person of the employer's choosing, may give required training and evaluation.

(b) Training must consist of formal instruction and/or practical training, conveyed in a manner that the trainee understands.

Note:

Formal instruction may include lecture, discussion, interactive computer learning, video tape and/or written material. Practical training may include demonstrations performed by the trainer and practical exercises performed by the trainee.

(3)Training program content. Powered industrial truck operators must receive initial training in the topics that follow, except in topics that the employer can demonstrate are not applicable to safe operation of the truck in the employer's workplace.

(a) Truck-related topics:

(i) Operating instructions, warnings and precautions for the types of truck the operator will be authorized to operate;

(ii) Differences between the truck and the automobile;

(iii) Truck controls and instrumentation: Where they are located, what they do, and how they work;

(iv) Engine or motor operation;

(v) Steering and maneuvering;

(vi) Visibility (including restrictions due to loading);

(vii) Fork and attachment adaption, operation, and use limitations;

(viii) Vehicle capacity;

(ix) Vehicle stability;

(x) Any vehicle inspection and maintenance that the operator will be required to perform;

(xi) Refueling and/or charging and recharging of batteries;

(xii) Operating limitations;

(xiii) Any other operating instructions, warnings, or precautions listed in the operator's manual for the types of vehicle that the employee is being trained to operate.

(b) Workplace-related topics:

(i) Surface conditions where the vehicle will be operated;

(ii) Composition of loads to be carried and load stability;

(iii) Load manipulation, stacking, and unstacking;

(iv) Pedestrian traffic in areas where the vehicle will be operated;

(v) Narrow aisles and other restricted places where the vehicle will be operated;

(vi) Hazardous (classified) locations where the vehicle will be operated;

(vii) Ramps and other sloped surfaces that could affect the vehicle's stability;

(viii) Closed environments and other areas where insufficient ventilation or poor vehicle maintenance could cause a buildup of carbon monoxide or diesel exhaust;

(ix) Other unique or potentially hazardous environmental conditions in the workplace that could affect safe operation.

(4)Retraining.

(a) Retraining in relevant topics must be provided to the operator when:

(i) The operator has been observed to operate the vehicle in an unsafe manner;

(ii) The operator has been involved in an accident or near-miss incident;

(iii) The operator has received an evaluation that reveals that the operator is not operating the truck safely;

(iv) The operator is assigned to drive a different type of truck; or

(v) The condition in the workplace changes in a manner that could affect safe operation of the truck.

(b) Retraining must be provided to an operator if three years has elapsed since he or she last received training.

(5)Avoidance of duplicative training. If an operator has previously received training in a topic specified in subsection (3) of this section, and such training is appropriate to the truck and working conditions encountered, additional training in that topic is not required if the operator can provide proof of such training within three years, and the employer can verify operator competency.

(6)Recordkeeping. Employers must keep records showing that each operator has been trained or received retraining as required by this section. These records must include the name of the operator, the date of the training or retraining, and the name of the person(s) giving the training or retraining.

(7)Implementation dates. The employer must ensure that operators of powered industrial trucks are trained, as appropriate, by the effective date of this section. Employees hired on or after the effective date of this section must be trained and found competent prior to being assigned to operate a powered industrial truck.

(8)Nonmandatory guidance. To assist employers in implementing operator training requirements, a nonmanda-tory appendix has been added as WAC 296-307-52030. This appendix does not add to, alter, or reduce the requirements of this section.

Wash. Admin. Code § 296-307-52029

Amended by WSR 20-21-091, Filed 10/20/2020, effective 11/20/2020

Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040 and[49.17].050 . 00-01-176, § 296-307-52029, filed 12/21/99, effective 3/1/00. 97-09-013, recodified as § 296-307-52029, filed 4/7/97, effective 4/7/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, [49.17.]050 and [49.17.]060. 96-22-048, § 296-306A-52029, filed 10/31/96, effective 12/1/96.