Applicable Requlations - 29 CFR 1926.1003

OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1003 discusses overhead protection on lift trucks and tractors, including design and installation requirements. The purpose of this standard is to minimize hazards to the operator from flying and falling objects.

The overhead protection may be constructed of a solid material. When grid or mesh is used, the largest permissible opening must be such that the maximum circle that can be inscribed between the elements of the grid or mesh is 1.5 inches in diameter. The overhead protection cannot be installed in such a way as to become a hazard in the case of upset.

Stationary and moving loads in the back of the equipment must be distributed uniformly along a maximum projected dimension of 27 inches and a maximum area of 160 square inches, normal to the direction of load application. The load must be applied to the upper extremity of the frame at the point that is midway between the centerline of the seat and the inside of the frame upright.

A stationary or moving side load must be distributed uniformly along a maximum projected dimension of 27 inches and a maximum area of 160 square inches, normal to the direction of load application.

Operators should test equipment for safety through a variety of methods, such as:

• A static test: A test during which the machinery or the lifting accessory is first inspected and subjected to a specific force and then re-inspected once the said load has been released to ensure no damage has occurred.
• A dynamic test: A test during which the machinery is operated in all its possible configurations at maximum working load with account being taken for the dynamic behavior of the machinery. This test checks that the machinery and safety features are functioning properly.
• A drop test: A test in which a solid steel sphere or material of equivalent spherical dimension weighing 100 pounds must be dropped once from a height 10 feet above the overhead cover.
• A crush test: During this test, when a load is applied to the equipment, a protected zone must not be violated.

To learn more about Industrial Equipment visit our Cal/OSHA Industrial Equipment, Lift Trucks and Tractors Online Training web page.