There are healthy and safety guidelines governing the utilization of lift trucks. Any huge machinery, like a forklift, is potentially dangerous and should be used safely. The regulations and rules state that the operator needs to conduct daily inspections on the forklift and more thorough checks each and every week and every month. The following checks should be done on the forklift:
Forklift Brakes - the brakes are a really vital part of the forklift machines and hence they should be double and tripled checked. A brake check is done with different pedal heights and pressures to determine the sensitivity of the brakes. The brake lights should be inspected at the same time.
The Tires - the tires are also essential to the safe functioning of the truck and to the braking system. All the tires need to be checked properly to make certain that there are no punctures in the tires and they are inflated to the right 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 indication of problems must be reported and tended to immediately. The lift truck should not be used until the controller system has been fixed.
Steering Wheel - To make sure that the turning of the wheel is correct, the operator must inspect the lift truck steering wheel. Lift truck safety depends upon the steering wheel responding well and working accurately. There are a variety of inspections which can be performed to determine the performance of the steering wheel.
Engine Oil - the engine oil needs to be checked by removing the dip stick from the lift truck engine. The dipstick will show the oil level 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 - forklifts are required by law to carry a fire extinguisher. This fire extinguisher would have to be checked to ensure it would function properly in the event of a fire. Various types of fire extinguisher must be checked in certain ways. Like for example, a dry chemical extinguisher needs to be shaken.