Powered Industrial Trucks (PIT)

This program applies to University employees who operate a powered industrial truck (PIT). Powered industrial trucks include mobile, power‑propelled vehicles used to carry, push, pull, lift, stack, or tier materials, such as:

• Forklifts
• Narrow-aisle trucks
• Powered hand trucks

Equipment not covered

This program does not apply to:

• Farm vehicles
• Vehicles intended primarily for earth moving or over‑the‑road hauling
• Segways
• Golf carts
• Utility vehicles (Gators)
• ATVs, quads, and similar rough‑terrain vehicles

responsibilities

Supervisors must:

• Understand PIT program requirements and how they apply within their areas of responsibility
• Ensure employee compliance with all program provisions
• Ensure employees receive required PIT training
• Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure its use

Employees must:

• Follow all PIT program requirements
• Complete required training and certification before operating a PIT
• Conduct required pre‑use equipment inspections
• Promptly report PIT‑related safety concerns to their supervisor

Training requirements

Penn State certifies PIT operators through a three‑step process:

1. Classroom instruction
2. Hands‑on training
3. Hands‑on performance evaluation

Additional training requirements include:

• Employees must complete training and successfully demonstrate driving skills before operating a PIT independently
• Operators must complete a documented reevaluation at least every three years
• Retraining is required when:
  • An operator uses a PIT unsafely
  • An operator is involved in an accident or near miss
  • An evaluation identifies unsafe operation
  • An operator is assigned a different type of PIT
  • Workplace conditions change in a way that could affect safe PIT operation

Inspection requirements

Pre‑use inspections

• Operators must visually inspect and function‑test the PIT before each day’s use or at the start of each shift

Annual inspections

• A qualified, authorized mechanic must perform an annual PIT inspection

Recordkeeping requirements

Work units must maintain records for:

• PIT training and certification
• Pre‑use inspections
• Annual inspections
• Equipment maintenance and repair

Program:

• Powered Industrial Truck (Forklift) Safety Program

Procedure:

• Classes of Powered Industrial Trucks (Appendix B)
• Evaluator Guidelines – Powered Industrial Truck (Appendix E)
• Safe Work Practices (Appendix F)

Forms:

• Powered Industrual Truck Pre-Use Inspection (Appendix A)
• Powered Industrial Truck Training Certification Form (Appendix C)
• Hands-On Evaluation Test for Powered Industrial Truck Operators (Appendix D)

Access Documents on SharePoint

OSHA Standards

• 29 CFR 1910.178 – Powered Industrial Trucks
• ANSI B56 Standards – Safety Standard for Low‑Lift and High‑Lift Trucks