There are healthy and safety rules governing the use of forklift trucks. Any huge machine, like a forklift, is potentially dangerous and must be used safely. The regulations and rules state that the driver should conduct daily inspections on the forklift and more thorough checks each and every week and each and every month. The following inspections should be done on the lift truck:
Lift Truck Brakes - the brakes are a very essential part of the lift truck equipment and hence they must be double and tripled checked. A brake check is performed with various 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 vital to the safe functioning of the truck and to the braking system. All the tires must be inspected properly to make sure 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 checked by operating the forks and the release mechanism. Any sign of issues should immediately reported and tended to. The forklift must not be used until the controller system has been fixed.
Steering Wheel - the operator should inspect the forklift steering wheel to make certain the turning of the wheel is correct. Forklift safety depends on the steering wheel functioning correctly and responding well. There are a variety of inspections which can be done to determine the performance of the steering wheel.
Engine Oil - the engine oil has to be inspected by removing the dip stick from the forklift engine. The dipstick would 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 occurring.
Fire Extinguisher - forklifts are required by law to carry a fire extinguisher. This fire extinguisher will have to be tested to ensure it would work properly in the event of a fire. Various types of fire extinguisher need to be inspected in certain ways. For instance, a dry chemical extinguisher needs to be shaken.