Forklift Data Plate

[DFLewis]

Does anyone know where to buy Forklift data plates?

We checked with McMaster and it sounds like they can take an image we provide and print it to one of their plates... But, for simplicity I wanted to see if there's a company out there that specializes in data plate creation to the point where we could give them our forklift and attachment information and they could provide a plate that meets OSHA regulations.

Here's an example of what we're looking for:

http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/products/etools/pit/images/10label.jpg

Thanks,


DFLewis

http://www.phoenix-engineer.com

 

[IceStationZebra]

First, unless you are the OEM you can NOT make your own data plate and meet OSHA!!!

If you still want a plate you will almost certainly need to get a custom plate. Both of the OEM's (4 different brands) I have worked for designed their own plates. The reason is that they wanted to include information beyond the absolute minimum required. Plus they could pick a size that would fit in the required locations. If you only want one or two you may be able to buy them from a local forklift dealer. They should be available because every time a new attachment is fitted to a truck they need to have the plate redone/modified, and if it changes too many times it will need a new plate. (FYI - The VIN is duplicated on the frame to prevent fraud.)

ISZ

 

[DFLewis]

Thanks for the information.

A little more background:

We're looking into the labeling requirements for designing a new forklift attachment for an older model forklift (1988 Caterpillar). The data plates are old and worn and should be replaced anyway as well as updated for the new attachment.

Also, while looking through OSHA's section on Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178) I haven't found any information about what's required to go on the new attachment itself. Anyone have any guidance from experience or a regulation they have seen else where that would apply?

Thanks,

DFLewis

http://www.phoenix-engineer.com

 

[IceStationZebra]

I think the standard you are looking for is B56. There are several versions depending on the type of truck. (B56.1 - industrial, B56.6 - rough terrain, etc.)You can download them at

http://www.itsdf.org/pB56.asp.

I don't have a copy of the standard at home but I'm pretty sure attachments at a minimum have to be marked with the weight, max operating pressure (if hydraulically powered) and rated capacity. If the attachment has forks, they too must be marked with the capacity. For your own internal use they usually are also marked with your company name, a model number, and sometimes a serial number.

And far as putting new plates on a CAT(Nissan) forklift with your attachment, I believe that to be OSHA compliant CAT would have to supply the new plate, period. You have a load rating for your attachment, but CAT is responsible if the whole machine is unsafe. For example, only they know if the mast is designed to handle the loads you are generating. The OEM also has to consider not only forward tip, but also lateral and rearward tipping (especially with trucks that operate in the dirt). If you supply the plate YOUR neck is on the line. And unless you tip test each truck configuration your attachment is fitted to you will loose your a## in court when (not if) someone gets hurt/killed.

I also looked at Cascade's website. "For exact determination of the attachment/truck capacity, you should contact your truck manufacturer. Cascade Customer Service will supply you weight, lost load and center of gravity figures for the truck manufacturer's calculations."

As a side note, I was remotely involved with a lawsuit one of my former employers was defending. The operator was a 55 year old carpenter. He openly admitted to having a 1/5 of vodka and a 6 pack of beer for lunch. One front tire was not ballasted and it had a sticky throttle. He wasn't wearing his seat belt. He backed kitty-corner into a ditch with the telescopic boom in the air. When the machine started to tip he tried to jump, but the cab landed on him and he lost his legs at about knee level. He sued and won a significant figure because the insurance company decided it was cheaper than fighting him in court. --- I'm sure that others in the forklift industry have many similar stories.

ISZ

 

[IceStationZebra]

Another thing that came to my mind as an example....When you buy fork extensions you need to get the data plate modified by the OEM to be OSHA compliant. I have heard of companies getting busted on this. And this is a very common and simple accessory.

ISZ

 

[DFLewis]

Thanks again for your responses. This should get us going in the right direction.

We also found this interpretation of 1910.178 which allows a registered PE to approve new attachments for a forklift if it comes to the point where our forklift is no longer supported by the OEM:

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=22384

DFLewis

http://www.phoenix-engineer.com

 

[IceStationZebra]

I hadn't seen that interpretation before...good to know.
ISZ