Forklift truck approval, types and designated locations study guide
Paragraphs (a) through (e) of 29 CFR 1910.178, OSHA's general industry standard for powered industrial trucks, cover the section's scope, design requirements for new trucks, approved trucks and their markings, modifications and attachments, the eleven truck designations, which designated trucks may be used in which locations, converted trucks and safety guards. This guide sets out what the federal rule text states, keeping each truck designation and location condition as written. The summary table (Table N-1) is not described here; only the paragraph text is. The section also includes a non-mandatory appendix, which is not covered here. goraedu does not train, evaluate or certify operators; under 1910.178(l) the employer must make sure its operators are trained and evaluated and must certify that they were, and this is not an operator evaluation. Your State may run its own OSHA-approved plan with its own rules, so check them too. Every point links to the regulation and quotes its exact words.
Scope, new trucks and approval
1910.178(a)(1) covers fire protection, design, maintenance and use of fork trucks, tractors, platform lift trucks, motorized hand trucks and other specialized industrial trucks powered by electric motors or internal combustion engines.
“This section contains safety requirements relating to fire protection, design, maintenance, and use of fork trucks, tractors, platform lift trucks, motorized hand trucks, and other specialized industrial trucks powered by electric motors or internal combustion engines.”
The section does not apply to compressed air or nonflammable compressed gas-operated industrial trucks, to farm vehicles, or to vehicles intended primarily for earth moving or over-the-road hauling.
“This section does not apply to compressed air or nonflammable compressed gas-operated industrial trucks, nor to farm vehicles, nor to vehicles intended primarily for earth moving or over-the-road hauling.”
All new powered industrial trucks acquired and used by an employer shall meet the design and construction requirements of the ANSI B56.1-1969 standard (Part II) named in (a)(2), which is incorporated by reference.
“All new powered industrial trucks acquired and used by an employer shall meet the design and construction requirements for powered industrial trucks established in the “American National Standard for Powered Industrial Trucks, Part II, ANSI B56.1-1969”, which is incorporated by reference”
That (a)(2) requirement has an exception: vehicles intended primarily for earth moving or over-the-road hauling.
“except for vehicles intended primarily for earth moving or over-the-road hauling.”
Approved trucks shall bear a label or some other identifying mark indicating approval by the testing laboratory.
“Approved trucks shall bear a label or some other identifying mark indicating approval by the testing laboratory.”
In this section an approved truck (or approved industrial truck) is one listed or approved for fire safety purposes for the intended use by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, using nationally recognized testing standards.
“the term, approved truck or approved industrial truck means a truck that is listed or approved for fire safety purposes for the intended use by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, using nationally recognized testing standards.”
Not covered here
The content of ANSI B56.1-1969, which (a)(2) incorporates by reference, is not described here. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Modifications and markings
Modifications and additions which affect capacity and safe operation shall not be performed by the customer or user without the manufacturer's prior written approval.
“Modifications and additions which affect capacity and safe operation shall not be performed by the customer or user without manufacturers prior written approval.”
Capacity, operation, and maintenance instruction plates, tags, or decals shall be changed accordingly.
“Capacity, operation, and maintenance instruction plates, tags, or decals shall be changed accordingly.”
If the truck has front-end attachments other than factory installed attachments, the user shall request that the truck be marked to identify the attachments.
“If the truck is equipped with front-end attachments other than factory installed attachments, the user shall request that the truck be marked to identify the attachments”
The user shall also request that the marking show the approximate weight of the truck and attachment combination at maximum elevation with load laterally centered.
“show the approximate weight of the truck and attachment combination at maximum elevation with load laterally centered.”
The user shall see that all nameplates and markings are in place and are maintained in a legible condition.
“The user shall see that all nameplates and markings are in place and are maintained in a legible condition.”
Truck designations
For the purpose of the standard there are eleven different designations of industrial trucks or tractors: D, DS, DY, E, ES, EE, EX, G, GS, LP, and LPS.
“For the purpose of this standard there are eleven different designations of industrial trucks or tractors as follows: D, DS, DY, E, ES, EE, EX, G, GS, LP, and LPS.”
D units are similar to G units except that they are diesel engine powered instead of gasoline engine powered.
“The D designated units are units similar to the G units except that they are diesel engine powered instead of gasoline engine powered.”
DS units are diesel powered units with additional safeguards to the exhaust, fuel and electrical systems. They may be used in some locations where a D unit may not be considered suitable.
“The DS designated units are diesel powered units that are provided with additional safeguards to the exhaust, fuel and electrical systems. They may be used in some locations where a D unit may not be considered suitable.”
DY units have all the safeguards of the DS units, have no electrical equipment including the ignition, and are equipped with temperature limitation features.
“The DY designated units are diesel powered units that have all the safeguards of the DS units and in addition do not have any electrical equipment including the ignition and are equipped with temperature limitation features.”
E units are electrically powered units that have minimum acceptable safeguards against inherent fire hazards.
“The E designated units are electrically powered units that have minimum acceptable safeguards against inherent fire hazards.”
ES units meet all of the E requirements and have additional safeguards to the electrical system to prevent emission of hazardous sparks and to limit surface temperatures. They may be used in some locations where an E unit may not be considered suitable.
“The ES designated units are electrically powered units that, in addition to all of the requirements for the E units, are provided with additional safeguards to the electrical system to prevent emission of hazardous sparks and to limit surface temperatures. They may be used in some locations where the use of an E unit may not be considered suitable.”
EE units meet all of the E and ES requirements and have the electric motors and all other electrical equipment completely enclosed. In certain locations an EE unit may be used where an E and ES unit may not be considered suitable.
“The EE designated units are electrically powered units that have, in addition to all of the requirements for the E and ES units, the electric motors and all other electrical equipment completely enclosed. In certain locations the EE unit may be used where the use of an E and ES unit may not be considered suitable.”
EX units differ from E, ES and EE units in that the electrical fittings and equipment are so designed, constructed and assembled that the units may be used in certain atmospheres containing flammable vapors or dusts.
“The EX designated units are electrically powered units that differ from the E, ES, or EE units in that the electrical fittings and equipment are so designed, constructed and assembled that the units may be used in certain atmospheres containing flammable vapors or dusts.”
G units are gasoline powered units having minimum acceptable safeguards against inherent fire hazards.
“The G designated units are gasoline powered units having minimum acceptable safeguards against inherent fire hazards.”
GS units are gasoline powered units with additional safeguards to the exhaust, fuel, and electrical systems. They may be used in some locations where a G unit may not be considered suitable.
“The GS designated units are gasoline powered units that are provided with additional safeguards to the exhaust, fuel, and electrical systems. They may be used in some locations where the use of a G unit may not be considered suitable.”
An LP unit is similar to the G unit except that liquefied petroleum gas is used for fuel instead of gasoline.
“The LP designated unit is similar to the G unit except that liquefied petroleum gas is used for fuel instead of gasoline.”
LPS units are liquefied petroleum gas powered units with additional safeguards to the exhaust, fuel, and electrical systems. They may be used in some locations where an LP unit may not be considered suitable.
“The LPS designated units are liquefied petroleum gas powered units that are provided with additional safeguards to the exhaust, fuel, and electrical systems. They may be used in some locations where the use of an LP unit may not be considered suitable.”
Classifying locations
The atmosphere or location shall have been classified as hazardous or nonhazardous before industrial trucks are considered for use there.
“The atmosphere or location shall have been classified as to whether it is hazardous or nonhazardous prior to the consideration of industrial trucks being used therein”
The trucks specified in (c)(2) are the minimum types required, but industrial trucks having greater safeguards may be used if desired.
“The industrial trucks specified under subparagraph (2) of this paragraph are the minimum types required but industrial trucks having greater safeguards may be used if desired.”
For specific areas of use, the rule points to Table N-1, which tabulates the information in the section. The rule adds that the references are to the corresponding classification used in subpart S of part 1910.
“For specific areas of use, see Table N-1 which tabulates the information contained in this section. References are to the corresponding classification as used in subpart S of this part.”
Not covered here
Table N-1 itself (its class descriptions, groups, divisions, examples and authorized truck types per column) is not described here; read the table in the regulation itself. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Flammable gases and vapors
Power-operated industrial trucks shall not be used in atmospheres containing a hazardous concentration of the gases listed in (c)(2)(i). The list starts with acetylene, butadiene, ethylene oxide and hydrogen (or gases or vapors equivalent in hazard to hydrogen, such as manufactured gas).
“Power-operated industrial trucks shall not be used in atmospheres containing hazardous concentration of acetylene, butadiene, ethylene oxide, hydrogen (or gases or vapors equivalent in hazard to hydrogen, such as manufactured gas)”
Only approved EX trucks may be used in atmospheres containing the gases or vapors listed in (c)(2)(iii), which start with acetone, acrylonitrile, alcohol and ammonia, under the conditions in the next point.
“Only approved power-operated industrial trucks designated as EX may be used in atmospheres containing acetone, acrylonitrile, alcohol, ammonia”
That (c)(2)(iii) limit applies where the gases or vapors are present in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures and the concentrations exist continuously, intermittently or periodically under normal operating conditions, or may exist frequently because of repair, maintenance operations, leakage, breakdown or faulty operation of equipment.
“in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures and where such concentrations of these gases or vapors exist continuously, intermittently or periodically under normal operating conditions or may exist frequently because of repair, maintenance operations, leakage, breakdown or faulty operation of equipment.”
Trucks designated as DY, EE, or EX may be used where volatile flammable liquids or flammable gases are handled, processed or used but normally stay confined in closed containers or closed systems, escaping only in case of accidental rupture or breakdown or abnormal operation of equipment.
“Power-operated industrial trucks designated as DY, EE, or EX may be used in locations where volatile flammable liquids or flammable gases are handled, processed or used, but in which the hazardous liquids, vapors or gases will normally be confined within closed containers or closed systems from which they can escape only in case of accidental rupture or breakdown of such containers or systems, or in the case of abnormal operation of equipment;”
Under (c)(2)(iv), DY, EE, or EX trucks may also be used where hazardous concentrations of gases or vapors are normally prevented by positive mechanical ventilation but might become hazardous through failure or abnormal operation of the ventilating equipment.
“also in locations in which hazardous concentrations of gases or vapors are normally prevented by positive mechanical ventilation but which might become hazardous through failure or abnormal operation of the ventilating equipment;”
Under (c)(2)(iv), DY, EE, or EX trucks may also be used in locations adjacent to Class I, Division 1 locations, on the condition in the next point.
“or in locations which are adjacent to Class I, Division 1”
Those adjacent locations are ones to which hazardous concentrations of gases or vapors might occasionally be communicated, unless such communication is prevented by adequate positive-pressure ventilation from a source of clear air and effective safeguards against ventilation failure are provided.
“to which hazardous concentrations of gases or vapors might occasionally be communicated unless such communication is prevented by adequate positive-pressure ventilation from a source of clear air, and effective safeguards against ventilation failure are provided.”
In locations used for the storage of hazardous liquids in sealed containers or liquefied or compressed gases in containers, approved trucks designated as DS, ES, GS, or LPS may be used.
“In locations used for the storage of hazardous liquids in sealed containers or liquefied or compressed gases in containers, approved power-operated industrial trucks designated as DS, ES, GS, or LPS may be used.”
Factors that should receive consideration in deciding whether the DS or DY, ES, EE, GS, LPS truck has sufficient safeguards for the location are the quantity of hazardous material that might escape in case of accident, the adequacy of ventilating equipment, the total area involved, and the record of the industry or business with respect to explosions or fires.
“The quantity of hazardous material that might escape in case of accident, the adequacy of ventilating equipment, the total area involved, and the record of the industry or business with respect to explosions or fires are all factors that should receive consideration in determining whether or not the DS or DY, ES, EE, GS, LPS designated truck possesses sufficient safeguards for the location.”
Locations used for storage of hazardous liquids or of liquified or compressed gases in sealed containers would not normally be considered hazardous unless subject to other hazardous conditions also.
“Locations used for the storage of hazardous liquids or of liquified or compressed gases in sealed containers would not normally be considered hazardous unless subject to other hazardous conditions also.”
Not covered here
The full lists of gases and vapors in (c)(2)(i) and (c)(2)(iii) are not reproduced here; read them in the regulation. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Combustible dust and fibers
Power-operated trucks shall not be used in atmospheres with hazardous concentrations of metal dust (including aluminum, magnesium, their commercial alloys and other metals of similarly hazardous characteristics) or with carbon black, coal or coke dust, except that approved EX trucks may be used in such atmospheres.
“Power-operated industrial trucks shall not be used in atmospheres containing hazardous concentrations of metal dust, including aluminum, magnesium, and their commercial alloys, other metals of similarly hazardous characteristics, or in atmospheres containing carbon black, coal or coke dust except approved power-operated industrial trucks designated as EX may be used in such atmospheres.”
Where dust of magnesium, aluminum or aluminum bronze may be present, the trucks' fuses, switches, motor controllers, and circuit breakers shall have enclosures specifically approved for such locations.
“In atmospheres where dust of magnesium, aluminum or aluminum bronze may be present, fuses, switches, motor controllers, and circuit breakers of trucks shall have enclosures specifically approved for such locations.”
Only approved EX trucks shall be used where combustible dust is or may be in suspension continuously, intermittently, or periodically under normal operating conditions in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures, or where mechanical failure or abnormal operation might cause such mixtures.
“Only approved power operated industrial trucks designated as EX shall be used in atmospheres in which combustible dust is or may be in suspension continuously, intermittently, or periodically under normal operating conditions, in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures, or where mechanical failure or abnormal operation of machinery or equipment might cause such mixtures to be produced.”
The EX classification usually includes the working areas of grain handling and storage plants, among the other areas listed in (c)(2)(vi)(b).
“The EX classification usually includes the working areas of grain handling and storage plants”
Among the areas (c)(2)(vi)(b) says the EX classification usually includes are dust and stock collectors, except all-metal collectors vented to the outside.
“dust and stock collectors (except all-metal collectors vented to the outside)”
Only approved DY, EE, or EX trucks shall be used where combustible dust will not normally be in suspension in the air, or will not be likely to be thrown into suspension by the normal operation of equipment or apparatus, in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures, but where deposits or accumulations of such dust may be ignited by arcs or sparks originating in the truck.
“Only approved power-operated industrial trucks designated as DY, EE, or EX shall be used in atmospheres in which combustible dust will not normally be in suspension in the air or will not be likely to be thrown into suspension by the normal operation of equipment or apparatus in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures but where deposits or accumulations of such dust may be ignited by arcs or sparks originating in the truck.”
Only approved DY, EE, or EX trucks shall be used in locations hazardous because of easily ignitable fibers or flyings that are not likely to be in suspension in the air in quantities sufficient to produce ignitable mixtures.
“Only approved power-operated industrial trucks designated as DY, EE, or EX shall be used in locations which are hazardous because of the presence of easily ignitable fibers or flyings but in which such fibers or flyings are not likely to be in suspension in the air in quantities sufficient to produce ignitable mixtures.”
Only approved DS, DY, ES, EE, EX, GS, or LPS trucks shall be used where easily ignitable fibers are stored or handled, including outside storage, but are not being processed or manufactured.
“Only approved power-operated industrial trucks designated as DS, DY, ES, EE, EX, GS, or LPS shall be used in locations where easily ignitable fibers are stored or handled, including outside storage, but are not being processed or manufactured.”
In those fiber storage locations, E trucks which have been previously used there may be continued in use.
“Industrial trucks designated as E, which have been previously used in these locations may be continued in use.”
Not covered here
The full list of plants and equipment in (c)(2)(vi)(b) is not reproduced here. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Piers, storage and general properties
On piers and wharves handling general cargo, any approved D, E, G, or LP truck may be used, or trucks which conform to the requirements for these types.
“On piers and wharves handling general cargo, any approved power-operated industrial truck designated as Type D, E, G, or LP may be used, or trucks which conform to the requirements for these types may be used.”
If storage warehouses and outside storage locations are hazardous, only the approved truck specified for such locations in (c)(2) shall be used.
“If storage warehouses and outside storage locations are hazardous only the approved power-operated industrial truck specified for such locations in this paragraph (c)(2) shall be used.”
If they are not classified as hazardous, any approved D, E, G, or LP truck may be used, or trucks which conform to the requirements for these types.
“If not classified as hazardous, any approved power-operated industrial truck designated as Type D, E, G, or LP may be used, or trucks which conform to the requirements for these types may be used.”
If general industrial or commercial properties are hazardous, only approved trucks specified for such locations in (c)(2) shall be used. If not classified as hazardous, any approved D, E, G, or LP truck, or trucks which conform to the requirements of these types, may be used.
“If general industrial or commercial properties are hazardous, only approved power-operated industrial trucks specified for such locations in this paragraph (c)(2) shall be used. If not classified as hazardous, any approved power-operated industrial truck designated as Type D, E, G, or LP may be used, or trucks which conform to the requirements of these types may be used.”
Converted trucks and safety guards
Trucks originally approved for gasoline fuel, when converted to liquefied petroleum gas fuel in accordance with paragraph (q), may be used in those locations where G, GS or LP, and LPS designated trucks have been specified.
“Power-operated industrial trucks that have been originally approved for the use of gasoline for fuel, when converted to the use of liquefied petroleum gas fuel in accordance with paragraph (q) of this section, may be used in those locations where G, GS or LP, and LPS designated trucks have been specified in the preceding paragraphs.”
High Lift Rider trucks shall be fitted with an overhead guard manufactured in accordance with (a)(2), unless operating conditions do not permit.
“High Lift Rider trucks shall be fitted with an overhead guard manufactured in accordance with paragraph (a)(2) of this section, unless operating conditions do not permit.”
If the type of load presents a hazard, the user shall equip fork trucks with a vertical load backrest extension manufactured in accordance with (a)(2).
“If the type of load presents a hazard, the user shall equip fork trucks with a vertical load backrest extension manufactured in accordance with paragraph (a)(2) of this section.”
Sources
- eCFR: 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
Other Forklift operator study guides: Operator training and evaluation, Fuel, batteries, lighting and loading docks, Truck operations, traveling and loading, Operating condition and maintenance, Forklifts in construction