Thank you, this makes very good sense. Thanks for this quick answer!!!

an attachment is any component/device not integrated into the design of the lift from the manufacturer.
now sideshifters used to be considered an attachment because they had to be installed on the carriage as a separate component and even to this day there are still 3rd party sideshifters that are considered attachments. If the sideshifter is integrated into the design of the lift bracket like alot are today it is not an attachment, it is considered part of the lift carriage/bracket assembly and part of the trucks mast assembly.

clamps, push-pull slipsheet, rotators, turn-a-fork devices, booms and components of that design would be considered attachments. And yes, "most attachments" do alter the capacity configuration of the lift so the lifts capacity data would have to be reconfigured and changed on the trucks dataplate to comply with manufacturer, ANSI and OSHA regulations.
Most baskets and platforms that are used in conjunction with the existing forks on the lift and are not installed permanently would not be considered an attachment and the dataplate would not have to be changed.

In most cases when the term 'attachment' is being used it generally refers to a device that is replacing the forks and is being used as a different method of manipulating or carrying the load/materials such as a bale clamp or rotating paper roll clamp or fork positioning sideshifter. (these are most common ones).

Is a cage that is used to transport gas bottle cylinders classified as an attachment on a lift truck. We have a forklift that transports gas cylinders around our work site. I thought it would be classified as an "attachment" but also see it being like a pallet just carrying a load. It is like a man lift cage that goes on a lift truck but the gate on the front locks and we can strap the bottles in the cage. There is also a ramp to easily slide the bottles on and off the cage. The trucks capacity does not get changed as the defined load center is unchanged. Looking for some clarification. Thanks

We define attachment as any device mounted/installed on forklift that influences the rated capacity of the truck.

In other words - any device, because of which the defined load center is relocated, reducing the truck capacity (mainly because of stability issues) is considered as attachment.

That's why the long forks are not considered as attachment - the standard load center remains unchanged (f.e 500 mm from forks base) and for such application the trucks capacity remains unchanged

We define attachment as any device mounted/installed on forklift that influences the rated capacity of the truck.

In other words - any device, because of which the defined load center is relocated, reducing the truck capacity (mainly because of stability issues) is considered as attachment.

That's why the long forks are not considered as attachment - the standard load center remains unchanged (f.e 500 mm from forks base) and for such application the trucks capacity remains unchanged

cownd -

Most forklifts have a three point suspension system and are very unstable and prone to tipping over. Most front end loaders have a four point suspension system and are much more stable.

Using the word tools in lieu of the word attachments will get you no where on modifications or additions to forklifts. A potential safety hazard by any name is still a potential safety hazard.

OSHA 1910.178(a)(4)

Modifications and additions which affect 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.

ANSI/ITSDF B56.1-2009

4.2.1 Except as provided in para. 4.2.2, no modifications or alterations to a powered industrial truck that may affect the capacity, stability, or safe operation of the truck shall be made without the prior written approval of the original truck manufacturer or its successor thereof. When the truck manufacturer or its successor approves a modification or alteration, appropriate changes shall be made to capacity plates, decals, tags, and operation and maintenance manuals.

johnr j -

Here is an ANSI/ITSDF interpretation:

Interpretation: 1-81
Subject: ANSI/ITSDF B56.1-2005, Section 7.5, Nameplates and Markings
Date Issued: December 15, 2006
Question (1): Are fork tines considered to be an attachment?
Answer (1): No. In Part IV, Glossary of Commonly Used Words and Phrases, the definition of attachment is given and states, in part, that an attachment is a device other than conventional forks.
Question (2): Is the length of the fork tines required to be annotated on the nameplate?
Answer (2): No, but as stated in section 7.27 each fork shall be clearly stamped with its individual load rating. Consult your operator manuals and ANSI/ITSDF B56.1 for additional instructions on capacity and handling loads properly.

johnr j -

My interpretation of conventional forks would be forks with standard tips and tapers designed for pallet type use based on the forklift manufacturer's load ratings for a particular forklift.

The ANSI/ITSDF interpretation might be broader and include any type of fork which meets the forklift manufacturers load ratings for a particular forklift.

All good information and conversation but what is the official determination from OSHA? There seems to be a gray area when it comes to forklift attachments. Officially from OSHA what is a forklift attachment and when is it a requirement to have the forklift manufactures approval, and when is it a requirement to list that attachment on the capacity plate? Here's another way of thinking about, could fork extensions be considered a tool and not an attachment or are they the same such as, with a Caterpillar IT14G integral tool carrier wheel loader that can have a multitude of tools such as, bucket, forks, sweeper etc... These are considered a tool by Caterpillar and are not listed on the capacity plate. Why wouldn't it be requirement for this type of equipment it it's a requirement forklifts?

joesph,
How would one interpret the term "conventional" forks. The reason I ask, most lift truck manufacturers indicate there standard configurations is with 42" or 48" long forks. On rare occasions, lifts can be fitted with 84" - 96" long forks (say for truss handling). In most cases the lift capacity (typically a 15K pneumatic) is limited by the strength of the forks vs truck limitations.

In reality the machines are "lift trucks" therefor a lift truck fitted with fork attachments becomes a "fork" lift truck, a clamp attachment makes it a clamp truck etc. Anything fitted to a lift truck for a specific lifting operation is an attachment.
For instance a popular misconception is to call a telescopic machine a telescopic fork lift, whereas its actually a TMH, Telescopic Materials Handler, fitted with any attachment for a specific lifting operation.

Here is what @ToyotaEquipment tweeted as interesting fact related to data plates:
"I've seen multiple data plates mounted like a flip book on more than one truck"
Look for @ToyotaEquipment on Twitter.

cownd -

ANSI/ITSDF B56.1-2009, (Revision of ANSI/ITSDF B56.1-2005)
SAFETY STANDARD FOR LOW LIFT AND HIGH LIFT TRUCKS
Powered and Nonpowered Industrial Trucks
Part IV - Glossary of Commonly Used Words and Phrases

attachment: a device other than conventional forks or load
backrest extension, mounted permanently or removably
on the elevating mechanism of a truck for handling the
load. Popular types of fork extensions, clamps, rotating
devices, side shifters, load stabilizers, rams, and booms.

attachment, removable: an attachment that can be
mounted on the forks, or in place of the forks on the
carriage, by means of such conventional fasteners as bolts,
pins, etc., and that does not require the disassembly of any
other portion of the lifting system to install or remove.