Forklifts-Powered Industrial Truck (PIT)
Revised May 2024
Purpose
To provide direction and expectations for all employees working with and operating Forklifts and/or Powered Industrial Trucks (PITs) as outlined in WAC 296-863 Forklifts and other Powered Industrial Trucks
Applicability
This section is applicable to all employees whose job duties require operation, or oversight of those operating, forklifts and/or PITs.
Responsibilities
Applicable employees and managers are responsible for understanding and following all sections and rules as specifically outlined in WAC 296-863. It is also the District’s expectation employees are fit for duty (Directive 52 Fitness for Duty) and work in a safe, competent, and efficient manner (Directive 34 Employee Rules of Conduct).
Manager Responsibilities
- Ensure daily operation of forklifts and PITs is done in a manner that complies with WAC 296-863 Forklifts and other Powered Industrial Trucks and District safety standards as outlined in this manual.
- Ensure employees are trained in accordance with WAC 296-863-600 training
- Assign trainings to employee learning plans as applicable (see Learning Central).
- Should any equipment deficiency be brought forward, work with appropriate parties to correct deficiency. Equipment with faulty brakes, mechanical malfunction, or electrical defects shall not be operated.
Employee Responsibilities
- Complete all required trainings as specified in WAC 296-863-600.
- Be trained and familiar with other applicable safety practices, including emergency procedures that are not specifically addressed in the section but are related to job duties and necessary for safety.
- Inspect equipment prior to use for any deficiencies. Should deficiencies be identified they must be red tagged and reported to manager, foreman, or person-in-charge.
Should any modifications be made to equipment, including attachments, it must be done so in accordance with WAC 296-863-20010 Meet these requirements when modifying or altering PITs.
Resources & Training
Several sections have been linked below for quick reference but in no way limit or exclude expectations of compliance with any other section(s) of WAC 296-863.
296-863-30010 Inspect your PITs
296-863-30025 Service gasoline fueled PITs safely
296-863-40005 Protect employees around PITs
296-863-40010 Operating PITs safely
296-863-40015 Make sure PIT loads are carried safely
296-863-40020 Meet these requirements when the operator leaves the normal operating position
296-863-40050 Meet these requirements when loading or unloading highway trucks with PITs
Washington State Labor & Industries: Forklift Safety Guide (wa.gov)
Training and resources are not confined to this section and can be found throughout this manual, Learning Central, and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Forklifts and/or PITS shall only be operated by employees who've completed the initial training program and been evaluated for proficiency by a qualified observer. Following initial training it is required all qualified employees repeat every 3 years a proficiency/checklist observation by a qualified person.