There are safety and healthy rules governing the use of forklift trucks. Any large machinery, like a forklift, is potentially dangerous and must be utilized safely. The regulations and rules state that the driver must conduct daily checks on the forklift and more thorough checks on a weekly basis and every month. The following inspections must be done on the forklift:
Lift Truck Brakes - brakes on forklifts are key features that should be double and triple checked. A brake inspection is carried out with various pressures and pedal heights to determine the sensitivity of the brakes. The brake lights should be inspected at the same time.
The Tires - the tires are also vital to the safe performance of the truck and to the braking system. All the tires must be properly inspected to ensure that there are no punctures in the tires and they are inflated to the proper pressure.
Controller - To know whether the system is in good working condition, the lift truck controller system needs to be inspected by operating the forks and the release mechanism. Any sign of issues should be reported and tended to immediately. The lift truck should not be used until the controller system has been repaired.
Steering Wheel - the operator must inspect the forklift steering wheel to make sure the turning of the wheel is correct. Forklift safety depends on the steering wheel responding well and functioning accurately. There are different types of inspections that could be performed to determine the performance of the steering wheel.
Engine Oil - the engine oil has to be checked by removing the dip stick from the lift truck engine. The dipstick would show the level of the oil and the colour of the oil. The oil must be refilled if the level is too low. If the colour is off, there could be contamination occurring.
Fire Extinguisher - all lift trucks are required to be outfitted with a fire extinguisher. The extinguisher has to be tested to ensure it will work properly in case of a fire. Different kinds of fire extinguisher has to be inspected in specific ways. For instance, a dry chemical extinguisher must be shaken.