Order Picker
An order picker, also known as an order-selector or man-up lift truck, is a powered industrial truck where the operator stands on an elevating platform that rises with the forks to pick individual items from racking. It is classified as a Class II Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Truck under OSHA/ANSI and regulated under CSA B335 and WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation for fall protection and operator training.
On a shop floor, order pickers are used in warehouses and distribution centers for picking individual parts, cartons, or kits from racking up to 40 ft. Key safety controls include operator training per CSA B335, fall protection with a full-body harness and short lanyard tied to a manufacturer-approved anchor, narrow-aisle guidance systems, speed limits when elevated, and daily pre-use inspections. Pedestrian exclusion zones and rack maintenance are critical to prevent collisions and falls.
How is an order picker classified under OSHA/ANSI and how does that affect training?
Order pickers are classified as Class II Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks (Lift Code 2) under OSHA/ANSI. This requires equipment-specific training covering operator-up nature, narrow-aisle maneuvering, and fall protection. In Canada, training must align with CSA B335 and provincial OHS rules.
What standards apply to order picker design and operation in a BC warehouse?
In BC, compliance includes WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation for lift trucks and fall protection, CSA B335 for training, and manufacturer instructions. General elevating work platform standards do not apply; order pickers are regulated under the lift-truck/fall-protection framework.
When is fall protection required on an order picker, and what type is appropriate?
Fall protection is required when the platform exceeds a low threshold (e.g., 4 ft) and guardrails are inadequate. The preferred system is a full-body harness with a short, fixed-length or self-retracting lanyard connected to the manufacturer-designed anchor point on the truck.