Fork inspection requirements for powered industrial trucks.

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. Bob Mundson
Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America
2011 W. Sam Houston Pkwy N.
Houston, TX 77095

Dear Mr. Mundson:

Powered industrial truck examinations do not have to be documented.

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.

February 7, 2000

Mr. Timothy J. Rubush
Plant Engineering Supervisor
3M
Plant Engineering Services
Industrial Vehicle Service Center
900 Dayton Avenue
Ames, Iowa 50010

Dear Mr. Rubush:

Thank you for your January 10, 2000 letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) Directorate of Compliance Programs. You have questions regarding the Powered Industrial Truck Standard, 29 CFR 1910.178. We appreciate the opportunity to provide you with clarification on this matter.

Pre-operation forklift examinations are not required to be written.

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.

May 9, 2000

Mr. Daniel P. Freed
Associated Wholesalers, Inc.
Route 422 East
Robesonia, PA 19551

Dear Mr. Freed:

Thank you for your April 6, 2000 letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) Office of Public Affairs. Your letter has been referred to the [Office of General Industry Enforcement (GIE)] for answers regarding your Powered Industrial Truck safety checklist. Your specific question has been restated below for clarity.

Requirements for the sound level of a warning device (horn) located on a forklift

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 13, 2004

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

Dear Mr. Overby:

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:

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 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.