Letters of Interpretation | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Letters of Interpretation

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Each letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed.

Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information.

These letters of interpretation and the standards they address may not apply to OSHA State Plans. State Plans are required to have standards and enforcement programs that are at least as effective as OSHA's and may have different or additional requirements. Please see OSHA-approved State Plans for more information.

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Date	Title	Standard Number
04/01/2025	Requirements of Powered Industrial Truck Training Program Implementation	1910.178, 1910.178(l)(2)(i)(A), 1910.178(l)(2)(ii), 1910.178(l)(2)(iii)
09/19/2023	Powered Industrial Trucks	1910.178, 1910.178(a)(1)
08/04/2021	NRTL Certification for New Product Design	1910.7, 1910.178, 1910.6, 1910.6(e)(29), 1910.140, 1910.155(c)(3)(iv)(A)
09/11/2018	A powered industrial truck is not unattended if still in view by the nearby operator	1910.178(m)(5)(ii)
03/17/2017	Exemption of Variable Boom Reach Equipment "Reach Stackers"	1917.50, 1917.50(j)(1), 1910.178(l), 1917.43, 1917.1(a)(1)(xiv)
07/14/2016	OSHA requirements for individuals interested in employment as Heavy Equipment Operator.	1926.21(b)(2), 1926.602(d), 1910.178(l)
08/15/2013	Work platforms as Attachments	1910.178
04/04/2013	Powered Industrial Truck Servicer Labeling Responsibilities for a Customer's Unsafe Powered Industrial Trucks	1910.178(p)(1), 1910.178(q)(1)
11/26/2012	Powered Industrial Trucks Equipped with Flashing Lights and/or Back-up Beepers	1910.178
03/05/2012	Powered Industrial Truck Load Backrest Extensions	1910.178
06/27/2011	Rail Yard Tractors May Not Be Subject to the Powered Industrial Truck Standard	1910.178
06/14/2011	Enforcement of wheel chocking requirements in State Plan States.	1910.178, 1910.178(k)(1)
03/07/2011	Clarification of OSHA's authority to enforce wheel chocking of commercial motor vehicles and related safety hazards at loading facilities.	1910.178, 1910.178(k)(1), 1910.178(l)(3), 1910.178(m)(7)
04/14/2008	Use of jack stands in the stabilization of semi-trailers.	1910.178, 1910.178(k)(3)
07/13/2006	Applicability of 29 CFR 1910.178 to pick-up trucks such as Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10 and Dodge 1500.	1910.178, 1910.178(a)(1)
02/21/2006	Policy on powered industrial truck operators using prescribed drugs.	1910.178
11/08/2005	Chocking requirements for trailers docked to buildings with downward approaches.	1910.178, 1910.178(k)(1), 1910.178(m)(7)
09/14/2005	Chocking of trailers at United States Postal Service facilities.	1910.178, 1910.178(k)(1), 1910.178(m)(7)
08/01/2005	PIT operator's triennial performance evaluation requires demonstration of both knowledge and skills for safe operation of vehicle.	1910.178, 1910.178(l)(4)
05/13/2005	Coverage of volunteers; forklift operator training for multiple facilities determined by similarity of potential workplace hazards.	1910.178(l), 1910.178(l)(1), 1910.178(l)(3), 1975.4(h)(4)