This article was originally posted at some time between 2015 and September, 2020. It is being re-posted now as part of our website reconstruction. Some of the dates mentioned in this article may reference the time period from which it was originally posted.
This morning I had to put on my lightweight winter jacket to walk the dogs. Fall is definitely here.
With the change in temperatures, it’s a good time to remember that Minnesota OSHA requires that employers who have operate internal combustion engine powered industrial trucks, as defined in 29 CFR 1910.178 (including forklifts) indoors, must evaluate employees’ exposures to Carbon Monoxide on a quarterly basis. While it’s up to you to decide when to do the evaluations, it’s generally assumed that you check your facility under a variety of seasonal conditions.
There are two different types of required evaluations. They are described in a fact sheet on the Minnesota OSHA website here. Also, don’t forget if you’re covered by this rule, you must include Carbon Monoxide and forklift fuels in your Hazard Communication/Minnesota Employee Right to Know program and training.