The manufacturer of our forklift is no longer in business. What do we do about modifications to it?

In a letter of interpretation 04/11/1997 – Powered industrial truck modifications OSHA stated:

“29 CFR 1910.178(a)(4) requires that “Modifications and additions which affect the capacity and safe operation shall not be performed by the customer or user without manufacturers prior written approval. Capacity, operation, and maintenance instruction plates, tags, or decals shall be changed accordingly.” In the event that a powered industrial truck manufacturer has been sold to another company and is no longer in business, the user or customer must contact the purchasing company to request approval. In the event that the original powered industrial truck manufacturer is no longer in business and has not been purchased by another entity, the user or customer would be required to contact a Qualified Registered Professional Engineer for approval of such modifications and additions.”