Description
California Operating Rules for Industrial Trucks & Forklifts Poster
Help satisfy California workplace safety posting requirements with the California Operating Rules for Industrial Trucks & Forklifts Poster. Cal/OSHA requires employers using industrial trucks or industrial tow tractors to post and enforce applicable operating rules for the safe operation of this equipment.
Poster Specifications
- Size: 11"W x 17"H
- Language: Available in English or Spanish
- Format: Full-color workplace safety poster
- Finish: Completely laminated with high-quality laminate
- Requirement: California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3664
Who Must Post the California Industrial Truck Operating Rules?
Every California employer using industrial trucks or industrial tow tractors must post and enforce a set of applicable operating rules.
This requirement can apply to employers using equipment such as forklifts, lift trucks, industrial trucks, and industrial tow tractors in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, construction operations, agricultural operations, and other workplaces.
What Are California's Operating Rules for Industrial Trucks?
California's industrial truck operating rules establish important safety requirements for employees who operate forklifts, industrial trucks, and industrial tow tractors.
Required operating practices include rules concerning:
- Authorized and properly trained operators
- Safe operation of industrial trucks and forklifts
- Prohibition of stunt driving and horseplay
- Restrictions on unauthorized riders
- Prohibition against employees riding on lift truck forks
- Safe travel speeds
- Maintaining control of the vehicle
- Safe operation on grades and inclines
- Maintaining adequate visibility
- Safe handling of loads
- Clearance around pedestrians and other equipment
- Vehicle inspections and unsafe equipment
- Parking and unattended industrial trucks
- Other safe operating practices required by Cal/OSHA
Who Is Allowed to Operate a Forklift in California?
California requires industrial trucks and tow tractors to be operated only by drivers who are authorized by the employer and trained in safe operation as required by Cal/OSHA.
Employers should not permit an employee to operate a forklift or other covered powered industrial truck until applicable training and authorization requirements have been satisfied.
California Forklift Operator Training Requirements
Posting the Industrial Truck Operating Rules does not replace California's forklift operator training requirements.
Cal/OSHA requires powered industrial truck operators to receive applicable training concerning safe equipment operation and workplace hazards. Operator training can include:
- Operating instructions and warnings
- Differences between industrial trucks and automobiles
- Truck controls and instrumentation
- Steering and maneuvering
- Visibility restrictions
- Fork and attachment operation
- Vehicle capacity and stability
- Vehicle inspection and maintenance
- Refueling or battery charging
- Workplace-specific hazards
- Pedestrian traffic
- Surface conditions
- Ramps and slopes
- Load handling
- Other hazards associated with industrial truck operation
Can Employees Ride on Forklift Forks?
No. California's industrial truck operating rules prohibit employees from riding on the forks of lift trucks.
Employees also may not ride on industrial trucks unless the vehicle provides adequate riding facilities.
Can Forklifts Be Used to Elevate Employees?
California establishes specific safety requirements when lift trucks are used to elevate employees.
Employers must use appropriate platforms and protective equipment and comply with applicable Cal/OSHA requirements before using an industrial truck to elevate personnel.
Employees should never be permitted to stand or ride directly on forklift forks as a substitute for an approved personnel platform.
Forklift Inspections and Unsafe Equipment
Industrial trucks must be maintained in safe operating condition. Employers and operators should follow applicable inspection requirements and remove unsafe equipment from service when necessary.
California's operating rules include requirements addressing vehicle condition and safe operation. Equipment with defects affecting safe operation should not continue to be used until appropriate corrective action has been taken.
Forklift Load Capacity
Industrial trucks must have applicable capacity information and identifying markings maintained in a legible condition.
Operators should understand the rated capacity of the equipment and should not handle loads that exceed the safe capacity of the truck or attachment configuration.
When certain attachments or modifications affect an industrial truck's capacity or safe handling, additional marking and manufacturer or engineering requirements may apply.
Forklift Brakes and Warning Devices
California industrial truck requirements address braking systems and warning devices used to help protect operators, pedestrians, and other employees.
Employers should ensure that required brakes, horns, warning devices, and other safety equipment are maintained in proper operating condition.
Forklifts and Pedestrian Safety
Forklift operations can create serious hazards for pedestrians working in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, loading areas, construction sites, and other workplaces.
Operators should maintain control of the vehicle, observe applicable speed and clearance requirements, watch the direction of travel, and take appropriate precautions when employees or other pedestrians are present.
Where Must the Industrial Truck Operating Rules Be Posted?
California requires employers using industrial trucks or industrial tow tractors to post and enforce the applicable operating rules.
The notice should be displayed in a conspicuous workplace location accessible to employees and industrial truck operators.
Appropriate locations may include:
- Forklift operating areas
- Warehouses
- Distribution centers
- Loading and receiving areas
- Manufacturing facilities
- Employee break areas
- Equipment storage areas
- Construction job sites
- Agricultural facilities
- Employee safety bulletin boards
Is the California Industrial Truck Poster Required?
Yes. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3664 requires every employer using industrial trucks or industrial tow tractors to post and enforce a set of operating rules that includes the appropriate rules established under Section 3650.
This is an equipment-specific California workplace posting requirement. Employers that do not use industrial trucks or industrial tow tractors are not subject to this particular posting requirement solely because they operate a California workplace.
Does the Poster Replace Forklift Training?
No. Posting the California Operating Rules for Industrial Trucks does not replace required operator training, evaluation, equipment maintenance, workplace safety procedures, or other Cal/OSHA requirements.
Employers must separately ensure that industrial truck operators receive the training and authorization required for the equipment and workplace conditions involved.
California Industrial Truck and Forklift Safety
California's industrial truck safety regulations address more than operator behavior. Cal/OSHA requirements also cover areas such as:
- Industrial truck design and construction
- Seat belts
- Overhead guards
- Elevating employees with lift trucks
- Operator platforms
- Back guards
- Rated capacity
- Brakes and warning devices
- Internal combustion engines
- Industrial truck maintenance
- Powered industrial truck operator training
Employers should comply with all Cal/OSHA requirements applicable to the equipment used at their workplace.
California Workplace Safety and Compliance Resources
Labor Law Compliance Center provides California employers with labor law posters, workplace safety notices, employee rights materials, IWC Wage Orders, and specialty compliance products. Visit our California Labor Law Posters page or browse our California State Specialty Posters for additional California workplace compliance products.
