Powered industrial trucks - Michigan

Michigan’s state requirements regarding powered industrial trucks include a substantial amount of regulatory information beyond the federal requirements. Click the link(s) below to view the applicable requirements.

Powered industrial trucks

A summary of the additional requirements includes the following:

• A truck, except a motorized hand truck, shall be equipped with an audible device to warn of approach.
• A truck used in areas where general lighting is less than 2 foot-candles shall be equipped with auxiliary lights that illuminate work in process.
• The parking brake on a sit-down rider truck shall be capable of holding the truck on the maximum grade which the truck can negotiate with rated load, or on a 15% grade, whichever is lesser. The parking brake shall be manually or automatically applied and shall remain applied until released by the operator.
• All of the following apply to an order picker truck, high-lift: (a) A removable operator platform shall be provided with a device that attaches the platform to the lifting means. (b) The operator platform shall be equipped with side guard rails. (c) When the platform is elevated, the horizontal travel speed of the truck shall be automatically reduced to a degree necessary to maintain stability under maximum braking load and turning.
• All of the following apply to a load handling control on a truck: (a) Is preferably located for right hand operation. (b) Is a single lever used to perform more than one function. Push button or pre-selected controls shall be properly identified. (c) Is clearly and durably identified to indicate function and direction of motion of load or equipment. (d) Is self-centering.
• An employer shall test an employee before authorizing the employee to operate a powered industrial truck, except a motorized hand truck. The test shall check the employees on the following: (a) Operating ability. (b) Knowledge of the equipment. (c) Knowledge of the requirements contained in R 408.12171 to R 408.12193. (d) Knowledge of daily checks. (2) An employer shall provide for a performance test to determine whether the employee can operate the assigned powered industrial truck through the functions necessary to perform the required work.
• An employer shall provide the employee with a permit to operate a powered industrial truck.
• An employee being trained is exempt from the permit requirement of this rule for a period of not more than 30 days, provided the employee is under the supervision of an individual who is authorized by the employer and who has the knowledge, training, and experience to train operators and to evaluate their competence, and that the training period does not endanger the trainee or other employees.
• A permit shall be carried by the operator or be available upon request by a department representative at all times during working hours.
• A permit shall indicate the type of truck an operator has been trained on and is qualified to operate.
• A permit shall contain all of the following information: (a) Firm name. (b) Operator's name. (c) Operator I.D. number, if any. (d) Name of issuing authority. (e) Type of truck authorized to operate. (f) Operator restrictions, if any. The permit shall state the nature of the restriction. (g) Date issued. (h) Date expiring.
• An employer shall provide the following: (a) Chock blocks, support blocks, or jack stands for the maintenance department's use when repairing powered industrial trucks or their components. (b) Blocks or safety stands as a means of support for powered industrial trucks elevated from the floor by a hoist or chain fall.
• When repairing a powered industrial truck, an employee shall use chock blocks, support blocks, or jack stands if there is a hazard from movement.
• An employee shall not place his or her body under a powered industrial truck unless the powered industrial truck is supported by properly arranged blocks or jack stands capable, in total, of supporting a minimum of 1 1/2 times the weight of the component of the truck to be repaired.
• The carrying capacity shall be marked on a dockboard or plate purchased after April 17, 1979. Where a fork truck is used, fork loops, pockets, or lugs shall be provided for safe handling.
• A dockboard or plate shall have a slip-resistant surface, such as, but not limited to, a tread plate, designed to reduce the possibility of slipping by an employee or truck.
• An employee shall not be lifted or transported, except when a platform is attached to the forks by enclosed sleeves, a safety chain, or a mechanical device in such a manner that the platform cannot tip or slip.
• An employer shall ensure that a highway truck and trailer are not boarded by a powered industrial truck before the highway truck and trailer has its brakes set and not less than 2 wheels blocked or be restrained by other mechanical means installed in a manner that will hold the trailer from movement.
• A powered industrial truck operator shall report all accidents involving injury to an employee or damage to buildings and equipment to the employer.

Citations

Michigan: Occupational Health Standards, Part 21. Powered Industrial Trucks

Federal: 29 CFR 1910.178 and Appendix A