There are safety and healthy rules governing the use of forklift trucks. Any big machine, such as a forklift, is potentially dangerous and should be operated safely. The regulations and rules state that the operator should conduct daily inspections on the lift truck and more thorough checks on a weekly basis and on a monthly basis. The following checks need to be done on the lift truck:
Lift Truck Brakes - brakes on forklifts are key features that should be double and triple checked. A brake check is done with different pedal heights and pressures to determine the sensitivity of the brakes. The brake lights must 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 must be properly checked to ensure they are inflated to the proper pressure and that there are no punctures in the tires.
Controller - the lift truck controller system is checked by operating the forks and the release to know that the system is in good working order. Any indication of issues must be reported and tended to immediately. The lift truck should not be used until the controller system has been fixed.
Steering Wheel - the driver must inspect the forklift steering wheel in order to make sure the turning of the wheel is correct. Lift truck safety depends on the steering wheel functioning accurately and responding well. There are various types of checks that could be carried out to determine the performance of the steering wheel.
Engine Oil - the engine oil has to be checked by removing the dip stick from the forklift engine. The dipstick will show both the level of the oil and the oil color. The oil should be refilled if the level is very low. If the colour is off, there might be contamination happening.
Fire Extinguisher - forklifts are required by law to carry a fire extinguisher. This fire extinguisher will need to be tested to ensure it will function correctly in case of a fire. Different types of fire extinguisher need to be inspected in certain ways. Like for instance, a dry chemical extinguisher must be shaken.