Evaluation of plan to retrofit fork lift equipment with an operator safety restraint system.

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 17, 1986

W. L. Hamman, Manager
Safety and Loss Prevention
Celanese Fibers
Box 32414
Charlotte, North Carolina 28232

Dear Mr. Hamman:

This is in response to your letter of October 10, 1986, regarding your plan to retrofit fork lift equipment with an operator safety restraint system to prevent serious injuries or fatalities in the case of a lateral turnover.

Lifting capacity on mechanical material handling equipment may not be changed without the manufacturer's prior written approval.

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NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.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

MARCH 5, 1985

Honorable Gillespie V. Montgomery
Member, United States House of Representatives
P.O. Box 412
Laurel, Mississippi 39441

Dear Congressman Montgomery:

Thank you for your letter of February 5 on behalf of your constituent, Mr. J. T. Monk.

Powered industrial truck modifications and approval.

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.

 

Forklifts: free rigging requires manufacturer approval.

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.

October 22, 1999

Mr. Dennis C. Humphreys
Department of Energy
Richland Operations Office
P.O. Box 550, R-3-78
Richland, Washington 99352

Dear Mr. Humphreys:

Thank you for your June 1, 1999 letter to Mr. Art Buchanan, Director, Office of General Industry Compliance Assistance, regarding powered industrial truck safety. You request compliance assistance regarding the practice of "free rigging" off the tines of a forklift for a below-the-tine lift. We appreciate the opportunity to provide you with clarification on this matter.

Use of fork extensions on forklifts.

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.

October 2, 1980

Arrow Star Inc.
620 William St.
Lynbrook, New York 11563

Gentlemen:

Your recent catalog 82-5 advertises fork extensions which you offer for use on fork lift trucks. In our opinion, your ad misleads prospective customers. Fork extensions directly effect the stability, capacity, and safety of operation of fork lift trucks.

The Occupational Safety and Health Standard, 29 CFR 1910.178(a)(4) states, in part:

Powered industrial truck addition/modification approval and marking requirements

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 3, 2002

Mr. Douglas M. Sund
11951 McCrumb Dr.
Northglenn, CO 80233

Dear Mr. Sund:

Written approval requirements for powered industrial truck modifications and additions that affect capacity or safe operation

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 30, 2004

Mr. Michael Boyles
Taylor Machine Works
650 Church Avenue
Louisville, MS 39339-2033

Dear Mr. Boyles:

Installation of strobe lights on forklifts as an additional warning device for forklifts used in vessel holds.

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.

December 21, 2004

Mr. John Luke
Federal Marine Terminals, Inc.
Erieside Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Dear Mr. Luke: