No person is allowed to stand or pass under the elevated portion of any powered industrial truck.

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. This 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. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.



April 14, 2004

Mr. Romeo Varricchio
280 56th Avenue
Lachine, Quebec
Canada H 8T 3BP

Dear Mr. Varricchio:

Powered industrial trucks must not be placed into service, or must be removed from service, when any condition exists that adversely affects the safety of the vehicle

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. This 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. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

September 13, 2004

Mr. William Overby
2932 Hazel Ave.
Dayton, OH 45420

Dear Mr. Overby:

Fall protection requirements for elevated platforms of powered industrial trucks; body belts versus harnesses

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. This 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. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

June 28, 2004

Mr. Travis Morenz
PM- Inventory Control Supervisor
Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone road
Champaign, IL 61822

Dear Mr. Morenz:

Clarification of the Powered Industrial Truck (1910.178) standard's use of the terms "in need of repair," "defective," and "unsafe."

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. This 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. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

June 17, 2004

Mr. William Overby
2932 Hazel Ave.
Dayton, OH 45420

Dear Mr. Overby:

Powered Industrial Trucks.

Archive Notice - OSHA Archive

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

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. This 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. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

November 12, 1976

MEMORANDUM FOR:   Area Directors

Subject:          Powered Industrial Trucks - Clarification

A question has been raised regarding applicability of 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(7)(ii) to trucks engaged in loading or unloading trailers, since it does not seem to be compatible with 1910.178(n)(7)(ii).

Paragraph (i) is mandatory, and requires loaded trucks ascending or descending grader greater than 10% to be driven with the load upgrade. To do otherwise can be dangerous.

Inspection requirements for powered industrial trucks not used for significant time periods.

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. This 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. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

March 3, 2005

Mr. Bryan Wollam
Safety & Health Manager
P.O. Box 667
Fort Knox, Kentucky 40121

Dear Mr. Wollam:

Powered Industrial Truck (forklift) operator trainer qualifications.

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. This 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. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

July 23, 2003

Mr. Robert R. Brant
OSHA Coordination
United States Postal Service
475 L'Enfant Plaza SW
Washington, DC 20260

Dear Mr. Brant:

Powered Industrial Trucks: examination prior to being placed in service; evaluations conducted orally versus written; multi-level evaluations; seatbelt use.

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. This 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. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

July 28, 2004

Mr. Rick Noffsinger
HI-TECH COMACT
400 Aviation Plaza, Suite C
Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913

Dear Mr. Noffsinger:

Thank you for your January 22 letter to the United States Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Your letter has been referred to the Directorate of Enforcement Programs' (DEP's) Office of General Industry Enforcement for an answer to your questions regarding powered industrial trucks. Your questions have been restated below for clarity.

Powered Industrial Truck 1910.178(l) training requirements applicable to construction; training for skid-steer loader operators.

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. This 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. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

November 5, 2004

Mr. Mark Fair
Bobcat Enterprises
Post Office Box 46345, Rt. 747 & Muhlhauser
Cincinnati, OH 45246

Re: Powered Industrial Truck Training applicable to construction: §§1910.178 and 1926.602(a) and (d).

Dear Mr. Fair:

This is in response to your fax of June 30, 2004, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We have paraphrased your questions as follows:

PIT operator's triennial performance evaluation requires demonstration of both knowledge and skills for safe operation of vehicle.

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. This 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. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

August 1, 2005

Mr. Robert Hearne
1448 SR 333
Russellville, AR 72802

Dear Mr. Hearne:

Thank you for your April 12 letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Directorate of Enforcement Programs (DEP). Your letter has been referred to DEP's Office of General Industry Enforcement for an answer to your question regarding OSHA's powered industrial truck standard, 29 CFR 1910.178. Your question has been restated below for clarity.