Conducting a Daily Inspection of Powered Industrial Trucks

This document provides information on conducting a thorough daily inspection of a forklift/sit-down rider, consistent with OSHA 29 CFR § 1910.178 (q)(7), to reduce the likelihood of worker injuries during the use of powered industrial trucks (PITs).

Workers use PITs to move or lift materials in warehouses, retail, manufacturing facilities, dockyards, and construction sites. Section (q)(7) of the OSHA standard requires a daily inspection of PITs be­fore they are placed in service, or after each shift for vehicles used on a round-the-clock basis. Employers must provide PIT operators with adequate training to properly conduct a PIT inspection.

The requirements of 29 CFR § 1910.178 are applicable to general industry workplaces. However, the information and rec­ommendations in this document can be useful for construction, agricultural, long­shore, maritime, and mining work­places as well.

Conducting a Daily Inspection of Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklift, Narrow-Aisle Reach Truck, Walkie Pallet Lift, and Tow Tractor/Tug) [PDF – 2 MB]

Suggested Citation

NIOSH [2021]. Conducting a daily inspection of powered industrial trucks (forklift, narrow-aisle reach trucks, walk­ie pallet lift, and tow tractor/tug). Workplace Solutions. By Hughes S, Bobick T, Afanuh S. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Preven­tion, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2022-100, https://doi.org/10.26616/NIOSHPUB2022100