There are healthy and safety regulations governing the use of forklift trucks. Any big machinery, like a lift truck, is potentially dangerous and should be used safely. The regulations and rules state that the driver has to conduct daily checks on the lift truck and more thorough checks on a weekly basis and on a monthly basis. The following inspections must be carried out on the lift truck:
Forklift Brakes - brakes on forklifts are important features which should be double and triple checked. A brake inspection is done with various pedal heights and pressures to determine the sensitivity of the brakes. The brake lights must be checked at the same time.
The Tires - lift truck tires are also key for the safe functioning of the lift truck and to the braking system. All the tires should be checked properly to ensure that there are no punctures in the tires and they are inflated to the right pressure.
Controller - the forklift controller system is inspected by operating the forks and the release to know that the system is in good working order. Any indication of issues should be reported and tended to instantly. The lift truck must not be utilized until the controller system has been repaired.
Steering Wheel - the driver should check the forklift steering wheel to make sure the turning of the wheel is correct. Forklift safety depends upon the steering wheel working accurately and responding well. There are various types of inspections which can be performed to determine steering wheel performance.
Engine Oil - the engine oil needs to be checked by removing the dip stick from the forklift engine. The dipstick will show the colour of the oil and the level of the oil. The oil should be refilled if the level is very low. If the colour is off, there could be contamination happening.
Fire Extinguisher - forklifts are required by law to carry a fire extinguisher. This fire extinguisher will need to be checked to ensure it will function properly in case of a fire. Different types of fire extinguisher should be inspected in specific ways. For instance, a dry chemical extinguisher must be shaken.