The term PIT stands for Powered Industrial Truck, a designation used to categorize a diverse group of material handling vehicles found in warehouses, distribution centers, and logistics operations. These machines enable the efficient movement, stacking, and retrieval of goods. Because their operation presents serious hazards, their use is subject to comprehensive regulatory oversight and strict safety standards. Understanding the scope of the PIT classification is key to appreciating the specialized training and safety protocols that govern this equipment.
What Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) Means
Powered Industrial Truck is the official term used by regulatory bodies to describe any mobile, power-driven vehicle designed to carry, push, pull, lift, stack, or tier material. This designation is broader than the common term “forklift,” which refers to only one type of PIT. The term is utilized in safety and compliance literature, such as the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 29 CFR 1910.178, and includes trucks powered by an electric motor or an internal combustion engine, ranging from simple motorized pallet jacks to large rough-terrain lift trucks.
The regulatory framework uses the acronym PIT to ensure that all equipment posing similar operational risks is subject to the same safety and training mandates. This unified approach eliminates ambiguity regarding which machines require certified operators and maintenance protocols. The design of the vehicle, rather than its specific function, determines its classification as a PIT. Vehicles primarily intended for earth-moving or over-the-road hauling are excluded from this classification.
Different Classes and Types of PITs
Regulatory standards organize the wide range of equipment under the PIT umbrella into seven distinct classes based on power source, tire type, and intended use. This classification system helps employers select the appropriate machinery for specific environments, such as narrow aisles or outdoor construction sites. Each class has unique operational characteristics that necessitate specialized training and handling.
Electric Motor Hand Trucks
Class III includes motorized hand trucks and hand/rider trucks, designed for moving lighter loads over short distances. The operator typically walks alongside the unit, controlling it with a handle, though some models allow riding on a small platform. These units are powered by an electric motor and include electric pallet jacks, prevalent in retail environments and loading docks for horizontal transport.
Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks
Class II PITs are electric motor narrow aisle trucks, designed for high-density storage areas with limited space. Their compact design and maneuverability allow operators to navigate the tight confines of modern warehousing systems. Common examples include reach trucks, which extend their forks to retrieve pallets, and order pickers, which lift the operator to elevated racks for case picking.
Electric Motor Rider Trucks
Class I covers electric motor rider trucks, which are primarily counterbalanced lift trucks where the battery acts as a counterweight to the load. These are common in indoor environments, known for quiet operation and lack of emissions. Class I trucks are used for heavy lifting and stacking and are available in various configurations, including three-wheel and four-wheel sit-down models.
Internal Combustion Engine Trucks (Cushion Tires)
Class IV encompasses internal combustion engine trucks equipped with cushion tires. These solid rubber tires are best suited for indoor use on smooth, dry surfaces like concrete or asphalt. These trucks are typically powered by LP gas, gasoline, or diesel engines and are often found in manufacturing facilities. The solid tires provide stability but are not suitable for uneven or rough terrain.
Internal Combustion Engine Trucks (Pneumatic Tires)
Internal combustion engine trucks with pneumatic tires are categorized as Class V. The larger, air-filled tires provide better traction and cushioning, allowing the truck to operate effectively on uneven surfaces outside a facility. These models are used in lumber yards, construction sites, and large outdoor storage areas where the ground is not consistently smooth.
Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tractors/Utility Vehicles
Class VI machines are electric and internal combustion engine tractors, designed for towing and transporting material rather than lifting and stacking. These tow tractors and burden carriers pull long lines of trailers or carts loaded with goods, moving materials across a facility or between buildings. Their primary function is horizontal movement, not vertical load elevation.
Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks
Class VII is reserved for rough terrain forklift trucks, built for challenging outdoor environments. These machines feature large pneumatic tires, high ground clearance, and robust construction to handle surfaces like mud, gravel, or construction debris. They are commonly deployed in agricultural, construction, and logging applications where standard lift trucks cannot safely operate.
Operator Training and Certification Requirements
The legal requirement for operating any PIT is the successful completion of a training and certification program, mandated by the OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.178(l). Employers must ensure that every operator is competent to safely operate the specific type of PIT before use in the workplace. This mandatory training is a continuous process designed to maintain operational proficiency and safety awareness.
The training is structured into three distinct parts: formal instruction, practical training, and evaluation. Formal instruction involves classroom-style learning, including lectures, videos, and written materials covering safe operation principles and the specific characteristics of the truck. Practical training follows, involving demonstrations by the trainer and hands-on exercises by the trainee under supervised conditions.
The final component is an evaluation of the operator’s performance in the actual workplace, confirming their competence to operate the PIT safely in their working environment. An operator’s performance must be formally evaluated at least once every three years to maintain certification. Refresher training is also required immediately if an operator is observed operating unsafely, is involved in an accident or near-miss, or is assigned to a different type of PIT.
Essential PIT Safety Protocols
Daily operational safety relies on protocols designed to mitigate the risks of lifting and moving heavy loads. A pre-shift inspection, often called a “circle check,” is mandatory where the operator verifies the truck’s condition before use. This inspection includes checking the tires, lights, horn, brakes, steering, and mast assembly to ensure all components function correctly.
A primary focus of safe operation is maintaining load stability, governed by the truck’s center of gravity and the stability triangle. Operators must ensure the load is centered on the forks and does not exceed the truck’s stated capacity, as improper loading is a leading cause of tip-overs. The load must be securely arranged and tilted back slightly to prevent shifting or falling during travel.
Speed limits and pedestrian safety are strictly enforced within the work area, as PITs are involved in thousands of serious injuries annually. Operators must maintain a clear view in the direction of travel, slow down at intersections, and yield the right-of-way to all foot traffic. When a PIT is left unattended, the forks must be fully lowered, the controls neutralized, the power shut off, and the parking brake set to prevent accidental movement.