InstituteEnglishSafety & HealthForklifts and Powered TrucksGeneral Industry SafetyForklifts and Powered TrucksWhat Would you Do QuestionsSpecialized EquipmentAnalysisFocus AreaUSA
Would you contact the manufacturer over these PIT changes?
Do these Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) modifications or attachments need to be approved by the manufacturer?
Scenario 1: I need to replace the overhead guard on one of my PITs, with a factory-issued part, after it was cracked by a large load falling on top of it.
Scenario 2: I’d like to attach a longer set of forklift tines (to replace the factory-issued tines) to my sit-down forklift.
Scenario 3: I’m left-handed and would like to move the working lamp to the opposite side of the PIT so that I can use it safely while utilizing other operations.
Click below to see answers.
Would you contact the manufacturer over these PIT changes?: Answers
- No. Replacing an existing part with a factory-issued replacement should not need special approval from the manufacturer. However, when in doubt, always ask. When an employer or employee has questions about adding or replacing parts, it’s best to check with the equipment manufacturer or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) local area office, to be on the safe side. There are many variables that can come into play, and that may not be obvious at first glance.
- Yes. OSHA requires that employers obtain the manufacturer’s prior written approval for modifications or additions that “affect capacity and safe operation.” If the truck is equipped with front-end attachments, other than factory installed attachments, employers must change the capacity plates, operation plates, tags, or decals accordingly.
- Yes. OSHA requires that PITs are not altered so that the “relative positions” of the parts are different from what they were when originally received from the manufacturer. They must not be altered either by the addition of extra parts not provided by the manufacturer or by the elimination of any parts.