General Industry Service Truck Training Program Breakdown

Comprehensive Operator & Safety Certification – 3P Safety

I. Introduction to Service Truck Operations

Objective: Introduce the purpose and function of service trucks in general industry.

• What is a Service Truck?

  • A mobile utility vehicle equipped with tools, cranes, compressors, and storage compartments for field service tasks.

  • Used for maintenance, repair, and light lifting in plants, warehouses, and outdoor facilities.

• Roles and Responsibilities of Operators

  • Perform inspections and maintenance

  • Safely operate cranes, hoists, and hydraulic equipment

  • Follow site safety protocols and traffic rules

• Importance of Safety

  • Risks include equipment rollover, falling loads, pinch points, and struck-by incidents

  • Overview of OSHA accident data related to service trucks

II. OSHA & Industry Standards

Objective: Ensure compliance with safety regulations for service truck operations.

• OSHA Standards

  • 29 CFR 1910.178 – Powered Industrial Trucks (applicable to mobile equipment on job sites)

  • 29 CFR 1910.180 – Crawler, Locomotive, and Truck Cranes

  • 29 CFR 1910.147 – Lockout/Tagout for maintenance

• ASME Standards

  • B30.5 – Mobile and Locomotive Cranes

  • B30.10 – Hooks

  • B30.26 – Rigging Hardware

• Employer Responsibilities

  • Ensure operator training and certifications

  • Maintain equipment according to manufacturer recommendations

• Employee Responsibilities

  • Perform inspections, operate safely, and report hazards

III. Service Truck Components and Equipment

Objective: Teach operators to identify and understand all components of a service truck.

• Chassis and Body

  • Truck frame, outriggers/stabilizers, tool compartments

• Cranes and Lifting Equipment

  • Hydraulic or electric telescopic cranes

  • Hoists and winches

  • Load charts and capacity markings

• Support Systems

  • Hydraulic pumps, air compressors, and generators

• Rigging Gear Onboard

  • Slings, shackles, hooks, and spreader bars for field lifts

IV. Pre-Operation Inspections

Objective: Ensure trucks and attached equipment are safe to operate before use.

• Daily Walk-Around Inspection

  • Tires, lights, mirrors, fluid levels, and safety decals

• Crane & Hydraulic System Check

  • Inspect for leaks, cracks, and proper function of controls

• Rigging Equipment Inspection

  • Verify slings, shackles, and hooks are serviceable

• Documentation

  • Complete pre-use inspection checklists and log any issues

V. Load Charts and Lifting Capacities

Objective: Train operators to understand and apply load charts safely.

• Reading Load Charts

  • Determine max lifting capacity based on boom angle, length, and radius

• Outrigger Use

  • Importance of full extension and ground stabilization

• Safe Lifting Practices

  • Avoid side loading and shock loading

  • Never exceed rated capacity

VI. Safe Operation & Driving Practices

Objective: Promote safe driving, lifting, and positioning of service trucks.

• Driving on Site

  • Observe speed limits, avoid sharp turns, and maintain visibility

• Positioning for Lifts

  • Level ground selection and proper outrigger deployment

• Load Movement

  • Lift slowly, control load swing, and avoid overhead hazards

• Personnel Safety

  • Keep all workers clear of suspended loads

VII. Rigging and Field Lifting Techniques

Objective: Teach proper attachment and handling of loads during mobile service truck operations.

• Sling and Hitch Selection

  • Basket, choker, and vertical hitches for field lifts

• Load Stabilization

  • Use taglines and ensure balanced lifting

• Field Considerations

  • Uneven terrain, low visibility, and environmental hazards

VIII. Emergency Procedures

Objective: Prepare operators for potential incidents in the field.

• Equipment Failure

  • Lower load safely, shut down, and report

• Load Drop

  • Clear area immediately, assess for injuries, and secure the site

• Environmental Hazards

  • Cease operation during high winds, lightning, or poor weather conditions

IX. Maintenance and Recordkeeping

Objective: Maintain reliability and compliance of service trucks and equipment.

• Routine Maintenance

  • Hydraulic, engine, and electrical system checks

• Rigging Gear Storage

  • Keep slings dry and away from chemicals or sharp edges

• Recordkeeping

  • Maintain inspection logs, service records, and certifications

X. Hands-On Practical Training

Objective: Ensure operators can safely perform service truck operations in real-world conditions.

• Conduct full pre-use inspection

• Perform setup and stabilization with outriggers

• Execute controlled lifts with onboard crane

• Demonstrate safe driving and field positioning

XI. Final Evaluation & Certification

Objective: Validate operator competency.

• Written Exam

  • Covers OSHA, load charts, and service truck operation principles

• Practical Skills Test

  • Demonstrate safe lifting, rigging, and operational practices

• Certification

  • Issued upon successful completion, valid per site and employer requirements

Recommended Training Duration

• Classroom Instruction: 6–8 Hours

• Hands-On Training: 8–12 Hours

• Total Duration: 1–2 Days