Operator Qualifications
Only trained and authorized persons shall be permitted to operate a powered unit. Operators of powered units shall be quali- fied as to visual, auditory, physical, and mental ability to operate the equipment safely according to the following points.
Operator Training
–Personnel who have not been trained to operate powered units may operate a unit for the purposes of training only, and only under the direct supervision of the trainer. This training should be con- ducted in an area away from other units, obstacles, and pedestrians.
–The operator training program should include the user’s policies for the site where the trainee will operate the unit, the operating conditions for that loca- tion, and the specific unit the trainee will operate. The training program shall be presented to all new operators regard- less of previous experience.
The training program shall inform the train- ee that:
AThe primary responsibility of the opera- tor is to use the unit safely following the instructions given in the training pro- gram.
BUnsafe or improper operation of a pow- ered unit can result in: death or serious injury to the operator or others; damage to the powered unit or other property.
The training program shall emphasize safe and proper operation to avoid injury to the operator and others and prevent property damage, and shall cover the following ar- eas:
AFundamentals of the powered unit(s) the trainee will operate, including:
(1)characteristics of the powered unit(s), including varations between the units in the workplace;
(2)similarities and differences from au- tomobiles;
(3)significance of nameplate data, warnings, and instructions affixed to the unit;
(4)operating instructions and warnings in the operating manual for the unit, and instructions for inspection and mainte- nance to be performed by the operator;
(5)type of motive power and its charac- teristics;
(6)method of steering;
(7)braking method and characteristics;
(8)visibility, forward and reverse;
(9)stability characteristics with and without load, with and without attach- ments;
(10)
(11)battery charging;
(12)guards and protective devices for the specific type of unit;
(13)other characteristics of the specific
unit;
BOperating environment and its effect on unit operation, including:
(1)floor or ground conditions including temporary conditions;
(2)ramps and inclines;
(3)battery charging facilities;
(4)narrow aisles, doorways, overhead wires and piping, and other areas of lim- ited clearance;
(5)areas where the unit may be operat- ed near other powered units, other ve- hicles, or pedestrians;
(6)operation near edge of dock or edge of improved surface;
(7)other special operating conditions and hazards which may be encoun- tered.
COperation of the powered unit, includ- ing:
(1)proper preshift inspection and ap- proved method for removing from ser- vice a unit which is in need repair;
(2)parking and shutdown procedures;
(3)other special operating conditions for the specific application.
DOperating safety rules and practices, including:
(1)provisions of the section „OPERAT-
ING SAFETY RULES AND PRACTIC- ES“ in this document.
(2)other rules, regulations, or practices specified by the employer at the loca- tion where the unit will be used.
EOperational training practice, including:
(1)if feasible, practice in the operation of a powered unit shall be conducted in an area separate from other workplace activities and personnel:
(2)training practice shall be conducted under the supervision of the trainer;
(3)training practice shall include the ac- tual operation or simulated perfor- mance of all operating tasks such as maneuvering, traveling, stopping, start- ing, and other activities under the con- ditions which will be encountered in the use of the unit.
Testing, Retraining, and Enforce-
ment
ADuring training, performance and oral and/or written tests shall be given by the employer to measure the skill and knowledge of the operator in meeting the requirements of the Standard. Em- ployers may delegate such testing to others but shall remain responsible for the testing. Appropriate records shall be kept.
BOperators shall be retrained when new equipment is introduced, existing equipment is modified, operating condi- tions change, or an operator’s perfor- mance ins unstatisfactory.
CThe user shall be responsible for en- forcing the safe use of the powered unit according to the provisons of this man- ual.
NOTE: Information on operator training is available from such sources as powered unit manufacturers, government agencies dealing with employee safety, trade or- gaizations of users of powered units, public and private organizations, and safety con- sultants.
OPERATING SAFETY RULES
AND PRACTICES
Operator Responsibility
–Safe operation is in the responsibility of the operator.
–The operator shall develop safe work- ing habits and also be aware of hazard- ous conditions in order to protect himself, other personnel, the unit, and other material.
–The operator shall be familiar with the operation and function of all controls and instruments before undertaking to operate the unit.
–Before operating the unit, operators shall have read and be familiar with the operator’s manual for the particular unit being operated and they shall also abide by the safety rules and practices in the following paragraphs.
–Before operating any unit, the operator shall be familiar with unusual operating conditions which may require additional safety precautions or special operating instructions.
General
Before starting to operate the unit:
Abe in operating position;
Bplace directional controls in neutral;
Cturn switch to ON position.
–Do not start or operate the unit, any of its functions or attachments, from any place other than from the designated operator’s position.
–Keep hands and feet inside the opera- tor’s designated area.
Understand unit limitations and operate the unit in a safe manner so as not to cause in- jury to personnel. Safeguard pedestrians at all times.
ADo not drive a unit up to anyone stand- ing in front of an object.
BEnsure that personnel stand clear of rear swing area before conducting turns and maneuvers.
CExercise particular care at cross aisles, doorways, and other locations where pedestrians may step into the path of travel of the unit.
–Do not permit passengers to ride on powered units unless a safe place to ride has been provided by the manufac- turer.
–A powered unit is attended when the operator is less than 25 ft (7.6 m) from the unit, which remains in his view.
English 3