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503 EM 385-1-1 Sections 20-26
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22.R Forklift/Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) - Mounted Work Platforms.

22.R.01 Forklifts/PITs will not be used to support work platforms unless there is no other practical method. If a rough terrain (RT) forklift must be used, all the conditions in this Section must be met.

A fatality waiting to happen.

22.R.02 The manufacturer must specifically allow this specific machine to lift personnel. The operator's manual must be maintained at the work site on the forklift.

22.R.03 The manufacturer's platform specifications must be maintained on site and those specifications must reference ASME B56-6.

  1. A data plate may be used in lieu of the manufacturer's specifications if it references ASME B56.6.
  2. If the platform is not manufactured by, or for, the company that manufactures the forklift, a letter must be obtained from the forklift manufacturer that states the machine is compatible with the platform design. This letter must be kept on site and a copy provided to the GDA.

22.R.04 The platform must be securely attached to the lifting carriage and forks.

22.R.05 The lifting carriage and forks must be secured from pivoting forward.

22.R.06 If the truck is equipped with a rotator, the rotator must be deactivated.

22.R.07 Personnel must be protected from moving parts while in their normal working positions.

22.R.08 Overhead protection must be provided as necessary for the operating conditions.

22.R.09 The lifting operation must be done smoothly throughout the entire range of the lift.

22.R.10 All lift limiting devices and latches, if so equipped, must be functional.

22.R.11 A firm footing will be verified by the operator before lifting personnel.

22.R.12 A fall restraint system must be used in accordance with Section 21 and personnel will maintain a firm footing on the platform at all times.

22.R.13 The platform must not be tilted forward or rearward.

22.R.14 The platform must be lowered to the ground level for personnel to enter and exit.

22.R.15 The operator must remain at the controls whenever personnel are elevated.

22.R.16 The forklift must not be moved horizontally while occupied.

22.R.17 Before elevating personnel, forklift travel controls must be in neutral and the parking brake set.

22.R.18 The operator must verify that the mast or boom travel is vertical and will not operate on a slope unless the RT forklift is level.

22.R.19 The operator must verify that the path of the platform travel is clear of hazards, such as electrical wires, overhead obstructions, scaffolding, storage racks, and other obstacles.

22.R.20 Before elevating personnel, the work area must be marked to warn of work by elevated personnel.

22.R.21 Driving a forklift equipped with a personnel work platform in a raised position or with personnel on the platform is forbidden.

22.R.22 Before raising or lowering the platform, the operator must alert the personnel on the platform and then move the platform smoothly and with caution as requested by the occupants.

22.R.23 The combined weight of the platform, load, and personnel must not exceed one- third of the capacity at the related load center position as indicated on the information plate(s) of the RT forklift truck.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

22-18. Driving a forklift equipped with a personnel work platform in a raised position or with personnel on the platform is _____.