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Subpart N - Materials Handling &

Storage (1910.176 - 184)
316
184
155
116
116
178(l)(1)(i)
178(p)(1)
176(b)
178(l)(6)
178(q)(7)
Powered Industrial Trucks Operator training
Secure storage
Powered Industrial Trucks Safe operating condition
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Powered Industrial Trucks Operator certification
Powered Industrial Trucks Examination
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*Average number of Federal OSHA citations issued
between 2000 and 2003
1910.176(a) Use of mechanical
equipment
Where mechanical handling equipment is used,
sufficient safe clearances shall be allowed for
aisles, at loading docks, through doorways and
wherever turns or passage must be made
Aisles and passageways shall be kept clear and
in good repair, with no obstruction across or in
aisles that could create a hazard



Permanent aisles and passageways shall be
appropriately marked
Stored material
creating a hazard
across the aisle
1910.176(a) Use of mechanical
equipment
1910.176(b) Secure storage
Storage of material shall not create a hazard
Bags, containers, etc.., stacked, blocked,
interlocked and limited in height so that they are
stable and secure against sliding or collapse
Material is not stable
1910.176(c) Housekeeping
Storage areas shall be kept
free from accumulation of
materials that constitute
hazards from tripping, fire,
explosion, or pest harborage
(e) Clearance limits:
Signs to warn of clearance limits
shall be provided
1910.176(f) Guards
Covers and/or guard- rails shall be provided to
protect personnel from the hazards of open pits,
tanks, vats, ditches, etc..
1910.177 Servicing multi-piece
and single piece rim wheels
(a)(1) Applies to the servicing of multi-piece and
single piece rim wheels used on large vehicles
such as trucks, tractors, trailers, buses and off-
road machines
1910.177(c) Training
(1)(i) The employer shall assure that no
employee services any rim wheel unless the
employee has been trained and instructed in
Correct procedures of servicing the type of wheel
being serviced, and
In the safe operating procedures described in
paragraphs (f) and (g) of this section
1910.178 (a) Powered industrial
trucks
General Requirements
(1) Contains safety requirements relating to:
Fire protection,
Design,
Maintenance, and
Use of fork trucks, tractors, platform lift trucks,
motorized hand trucks, and other specialized
industrial trucks powered by electric motors or
internal combustion engines
1910.178 (a) Powered industrial
trucks
(2) Meet the design and construction
requirements for powered industrial trucks
established in the "American National Standard
for Powered Industrial Trucks, Part II, ANSI
B56.1-1969

(3) Approved trucks shall bear a label or some
other identifying mark indicating approval by a
nationally recognized testing laboratory
1910.178 (a) Powered industrial
trucks
(4) Modifications and additions which affect
capacity and safe operation shall not be
performed by the customer or user without
manufacturers prior written approval

(6) All nameplates and markings are in place
and are maintained in a legible condition


1910.178 (a) Powered industrial
trucks
1910.178 (e) Powered industrial
trucks
Safety Guards
(1) High Lift Rider trucks shall be fitted with an
overhead guardunless operations do not
permit

(2) If the type of load presents a hazard, the
user shall equip fork trucks with a vertical load
backrest extension
1910.178(f) Fuel Handling and
Storage
(1)The storage and handling of liquid fuels such
as gasoline and diesel fuel shall be in
accordance with NFPA Flammable and
Combustible Liquids Code (NFPA No. 30-1969)
(2)The storage and handling of liquefied
petroleum gas fuel shall be in accordance with
NFPA Storage and Handling of Liquefied
Petroleum Gases
(NFPA No. 58-1969)
1910.178(g) Changing and
charging storage batteries
(1)Battery charging installations shall be located
in areas designated for that purpose
(2)Facilities provided for
Flushing and neutralizing spilled electrolyte,
For fire protection,
For protecting charging apparatus from damage by
trucks, and
For adequate ventilation for dispersal of fumes from
gassing batteries
1910.178(g) Changing and
charging storage batteries
(4)A conveyor, overhead hoist, or equivalent
material handling equipment shall be provided
for handling batteries

1910.178(g) Changing and
charging storage batteries
(5)Reinstalled batteries
shall be properly
positioned and secured
in the truck
1910.178(g) Changing and
charging storage batteries
(7)When charging batteries, acid poured into
water; not water poured into acid
(8)Trucks properly positioned and brake applied
before attempting to change or charge batteries
(9)Care taken to assure that vent caps are
functioning

1910.178(g) Changing and
charging storage batteries
(10)Smoking shall be prohibited in the
charging area
(11)Precautions shall be taken to prevent
open flames, sparks, or electric arcs in
battery charging areas

DANGER
DANGER
No smoking
sparks or
open flames
(12) Tools and metallic
objects shall be kept away
from the tops of batteries
1910.178(h) Lighting for
operating areas
Where general lighting
is less than 2 lumens
per square foot,
auxiliary directional
lighting shall be
provided on the truck

1910.178(k) Trucks and
railroad cars
The brakes of highway trucks set and wheel
chocks placed under the rear wheels to prevent
the trucks from rolling while they are boarded
with powered industrial trucks


Wheel stops or other recognized positive
protection shall be provided to prevent railroad
cars from moving during loading or unloading
operations
1910.178(l) Operator training
(1)Ensure that each powered industrial truck
operator is competent to operate a powered
industrial truck safely
Prior to permitting an employee to operate a
powered industrial truck (except for training
purposes), the employer shall ensure that each
operator has successfully completed the
training required
Required:
Lecture
Practical training
Evaluation
(2)(i)Trainees may operate a powered industrial
truck only:
(A)Under the direct supervision of persons who
have the knowledge, training, and experience to
train operators and evaluate their competence;
and
(B)Where such operation does not endanger
the trainee or other employees.

1910.178(l) Operator training
1910.178(l) Operator training
(2)(ii)Training shall consist of a combination of:
Formal instruction (e.g., lecture, discussion,
interactive computer learning, video tape, written
material),
Practical training (demonstrations performed by
the trainer and practical exercises performed by the
trainee), and
Evaluation of the operator's performance in the
workplace.
1910.178(l) Operator training
(2)(iii) All operator training and evaluation shall
be conducted by persons who have the
knowledge, training, and experience to train
powered industrial truck operators and evaluate
their competence.

1910.178(l) Operator training
(3)Training topics:
Operating instructions, warnings, and precautions;
Differences between the truck and the automobile;
Truck controls and instrumentation:
where they are located,
what they do, and
how they work;
Engine or motor operation;
Steering and maneuvering;
Fork and attachment adaptation;
1910.178(l) Operator training
Training topics (contd.):
Vehicle capacity;
Vehicle stability;
Any vehicle inspection and maintenance that the
operator will be required to perform;
Refueling and/or charging and recharging of
batteries;
Operating limitations;
operating instructions, warnings, or precautions
listed in the operator's manual
1910.178(l)(3)(ii)
Workplace-related topics:
Surface conditions where the vehicle will be
operated;
Composition of loads to be carried and load
stability;
Load manipulation, stacking, and unstacking;
Pedestrian traffic in areas
where the vehicle will be
operated;
Ramps and other sloped
surfaces that could affect
the vehicle's stability;
1910.178(l) Certification
(6)The certification shall include:
The name of the operator;
The date of the training;
The date of the evaluation, and;
The identity of the person(s)
performing the training or evaluation

PIT
Training
&
Evaluation
1910.178(m) Truck operations
(1)Trucks never driven up to anyone standing in
front of a bench or other fixed object
(2)No one allowed to stand or pass under the
elevated portion of any truck,
whether loaded or empty

(3)Unauthorized personnel not permitted to ride
on powered industrial trucks
A safe place to ride provided where riding of
trucks is authorized
1910.178(m) Truck operations
(4)Prohibit arms or legs from being placed
between the uprights of the mast or outside the
running lines of the truck
(5)(i)Truck left unattended, load engaging
means fully lowered, controls neutralized,
power shall be shut off, and brakes set*

*A powered industrial truck is unattended when the operator
is 25 ft. or more away from the vehicle which remains in his
view, or whenever the operator leaves the vehicle and it is not
in his view
1910.178(m) Truck operations
(6)A safe distance shall be maintained from the
edge of ramps or platforms while on any
elevated dock, or platform or freight car.
Trucks shall not be used for opening or closing
freight doors.
(7)Brakes shall be set and wheel blocks shall
be in place to prevent movement of trucks,
trailers, or railroad cars while loading or
unloading.
(7)The flooring of trucks, trailers, and railroad
cars shall be checked for breaks and weakness
before they are driven onto.
1910.178(m) Truck operations
(9)An overhead guard shall be used as
protection against falling objects.


It should be noted that an overhead guard is
intended to offer protection from the impact of
small packages, boxes, bagged material, etc.,
representative of the job application, but not to
withstand the impact of a falling capacity load.
1910.178(m) Truck operations
(12)(i)Use of a
safety platform
firmly secured to
the lifting carriage
and/or forks
(ii)Means shall be
provided whereby
personnel on the
platform can shut
off power to the
truck
Safety platform detail
Safety platform detail
1910.178(n) Traveling
(1)All traffic regulations shall be observed,
including authorized plant speed limits;
A safe distance shall be maintained
approximately three truck lengths from the
truck ahead, and;



The truck shall be kept under control at all times
Speed
Limit
5mph
Three truck lengths
minimum
1910.178(n) Traveling
(3)Other trucks traveling in the
same direction at intersections,
blind spots, or other dangerous
locations shall not be passed
(4)Driver required to slow down
and sound horn at cross aisles
and other locations where vision
is obstructed
(4)If the load being carried
obstructs forward view, driver
shall travel with the load trailing
1910.178(n) Traveling
(7)(i)Ascending or
descending grades in
excess of 10 percent,
loaded trucks driven with
the load upgrade
(7)(iii)On all grades the load
and load engaging means
tilted back if applicable, and
raised only as far as
necessary to clear the road
surface
1910.178(n) Traveling
(11)Dockboard or bridgeplates, shall be
properly secured before they are driven over.
(11)Dockboard or bridgeplates shall be driven
over carefully and slowly and their rated
capacity never exceeded.

Dockboard not secured
1910.179(b) Overhead and
gantry cranes
General requirements:
(1)Applies to overhead and gantry cranes,
including:
semigantry,
cantilever gantry,
wall cranes,
storage bridge cranes,
and others having the same fundamental
characteristics
These cranes are grouped because they all
have trolleys and similar travel characteristics
1910.179 (b) Overhead and
gantry cranes
(2)All new overhead and gantry cranes
constructed and installed on or after August
31, 1971, shall meet the design specifications
of the American National Standard Safety
Code for Overhead and Gantry Cranes, ANSI
B30.2.0-1967
1910.179 (b) Overhead and
gantry cranes
(5)The rated load of the
crane plainly marked on
each side of the crane, and if
the crane has more than one
hoisting unit, each hoist shall
have its rated load marked
on it or its load block and this
marking clearly legible from
the floor
1910.179 (b) Overhead and
gantry cranes
(8)Only designated personnel shall be
permitted to operate a crane

1910.179 (c) Cabs
(2) Access to crane. Access to the cab and/or
bridge walkway shall be by a conveniently
placed fixed ladder, stairs, or platform requiring
no step over any gap exceeding 12 inches.
(2)Fixed ladders shall be in conformance with
the American National Standard Safety Code
for Fixed Ladders, ANSI A14.3-1956, which is
incorporated by reference as specified in Sec.
1910.6.
1910.179 (d) Footwalks and ladders
(1)(i)If sufficient headroom is available on cab-
operated cranes, a footwalk shall be provided on the
drive side along the entire length of the bridge of all
cranes having the trolley running on the top of the
girders.
(2)(i)Footwalks shall be of rigid construction and
designed to sustain a distributed load of at least 50
pounds per square foot.
(2)(ii)Footwalks shall have a walking surface of antislip
type.
(3)Toeboards and handrails shall be in compliance
with section 1910.23 of this part.
1910.179 (e)(1) Trolley Stops
(i)Stops shall be provided at the limits of travel
of the trolley.
(iii)Minimum height of the trolley stop at least
1/2 the diameter of the trolley wheel
Trolley stop
Min. 1/2 diameter
of trolley wheel
1910.179 (e)(4) Rail Sweeps
Rail sweep
not installed
Bridge trucks shall be equipped with sweeps
which extend below the top of the rail and
project in front of the truck wheels

1910.179 (e)(6) Guards for
moving parts
(i)Exposed moving parts shall be guarded; such
as:
Gears,
Set screws,
Projecting keys,
Chains & chain sprockets, and
Reciprocating components which might constitute a
hazard under normal operating conditions
1910.179 (g) Electric equipment
(3)(vi)For floor-operated cranes, the controller
or controllers if rope operated, shall
automatically return to the "off" position when
released by the operator
(5)Power supply to runway conductors capable
of being locked out

1910.179 (h) Hoisting Equipment
(1)(i)Sheave grooves shall be smooth and
free from surface defects which could
cause rope damage.
1910.179(j) Inspections
(1)(i)Initial inspection. Prior to initial use all new and
altered cranes shall be inspected to insure compliance
with the provisions of this section.
(1)(ii)(a)Frequent inspection - Daily to monthly
intervals:
including observation during operation
(1)(ii)(b)Periodic inspection - 1 to 12-month intervals
(2)(i)All functional operating mechanisms for
maladjustment interfering with proper operation. Daily.
(2)(ii)Deterioration or leakage in lines, tanks, valves,
drain pumps, and other parts of air or hydraulic
systems. Daily.
1910.179(j) Inspections
(2)(iii)Hooks with deformation or
cracks.
Visual inspection daily;
Monthly inspection with a certification
record which includes the:
Date of inspection,
The signature of the person who
performed the inspection and
The serial number, or other identifier, of
the hook inspected
1910.179(j) Inspections
(2)(vi)All functional operating mechanisms for
excessive wear of components
(2)(vii)Rope reeving for noncompliance with
manufacturer's recommendations
1910.179(j) Inspections
(3)Periodic inspections:
Deformed, cracked, or corroded members
Loose bolts or rivets
Cracked or worn sheaves and drums
Worn, cracked or distorted parts such as pins,
bearings, shafts, gears, rollers, locking and
clamping devices
Excessive wear on brake system parts
1910.179(n) Handling the load
(1)The crane shall not be
loaded beyond its rated load
(3)(i)The load shall be well
secured and properly balanced
in the sling or lifting device
before it is lifted
(3)(ii)(a)Hoist rope shall not be
kinked
(3)(iii)(a)No sudden acceleration
or deceleration of the moving
load
(3)(iv)Cranes not be used for
side pulls unless authorized
1910.179(n)(4) Limit switches
At the beginning of each operator's shift, the
upper limit switch of each hoist shall be tried out
under no load
Extreme care shall be exercised; the block shall
be "inched" into the limit or run in at slow speed
If the switch does not operate properly, the
appointed person shall be immediately notified
1910.184 Slings
(c)Safe operating practices for all slings:
(1)Damaged or defective slings shall not be used
(2)Slings shall not be shortened with knots or bolts
(3)Sling legs shall not be kinked
(4)Not be loaded in excess of their rated capacities
(5)Used in a basket hitch shall have the loads
balanced to prevent slippage
(6)Securely attached to their loads

1910.184 Slings
(c)Safe operating practices for all
slings:
(7)Slings shall be padded or protected
from the sharp edges of their loads
(8)Suspended loads shall be kept clear
of all obstructions
(9)All employees shall be kept clear of
loads about to be lifted and of
suspended loads
(10)Hands or fingers shall not be placed
between the sling and its load while the
sling is being tightened around the load
Each day before being used, the
sling and all fastenings and
attachments inspected for damage
or defects by a competent person
designated by the employer
Additional inspections performed
during sling use, where service
conditions warrant
Damaged or defective slings shall
be immediately removed from
service
1910.184(d) Inspections
1910.184(f) Wire rope slings
Wire rope slings shall be immediately removed
from service if any of the following conditions
are present:
Ten randomly distributed broken wires in one rope
lay, or five broken wires in one strand in one rope
lay
Wear or scraping of one-third the original diameter
of outside individual wires
Kinking, crushing, bird caging or
any other damage resulting in
distortion of the wire rope structure
Evidence of heat damage
1910.184(f) Wire rope slings
Wire rope slings shall be immediately
removed from service if any of the
following conditions are present:
End attachments that are cracked,
deformed or worn
Hooks that have been opened more
than 15 percent of the normal throat
opening measured at the narrowest
point or twisted more than 10 degrees
from the plane of the unbent hook
10 max