Forklift Designations & Designated Areas

Only approved industrial trucks can be used in hazardous locations. The characteristics of such locations and atmospheres include hazardous concentrations of various gases, vapors, dusts, flammable liquids, and easily ignitable materials. Your employer is responsible for the following elements related to forklift designations:

• Informing employees about the location and the atmospheric conditions under which a forklift or PIT will operate
• Making forklift designations clear to employees
• Ensuring that only appropriate forklifts operate under designated conditions

The conditions under which PITs can operate are described in detail in 29 CFR 1910.178, and broken down with a letter designation. However, there are also conditions where no designation of PIT is allowed. Employees should take care to understand the atmospheres they work in and heed necessary precautions.

In addition, PITs that are not battery operated emit carbon monoxide. Concentration levels of carbon monoxide gas created by PIT operations shall not exceed the levels specified in 29 CFR §1910.1000.

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