Forklift Designations & Designated Areas

Forklifts often operate in environments where certain environmental accommodations are necessary. For example, environments containing flammable materials require that vehicles do not emit sparks or otherwise increase the risk of fire or explosion. Different types of forklifts are therefore needed in specific environmental conditions. There are eleven designations, which identify the truck's power source and safety features. Each type of vehicle is meant for use in specific contexts.

• D: diesel-powered unit
• E: electrically powered unit
• G: gasoline-powered unit
• LP: powered by liquefied petroleum gas
• DS: diesel-powered unit with additional safeguards to the exhaust, fuel, and electrical systems
• ES: electrically powered unit with all the features of an E unit; in addition, it has surface temperature limitations to prevent emission of hazardous sparks
• GS: gasoline-powered unit with additional safeguards to the exhaust, fuel, and electrical systems
• LPS: liquefied petroleum gas powered unit provided with additional safeguards to the exhaust, fuel, and electrical systems
• DY: diesel-powered unit with the safeguards of a DS unit; in addition, it has temperature limitation features and lacks all electrical equipment
• EE: electrically powered unit with all the features of an E and ES unit; in addition, its electric motors and all other electrical equipment are completely enclosed

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 on OSHA's website (29 CFR 1910). 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 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.1000.

To learn more about Forklift Safety visit our Forklift Safety Online Training web page.