There are safety and healthy regulations governing the use of forklift trucks. Any huge equipment, such as a forklift, is potentially dangerous and must be used safely. The regulations and rules state that the driver must conduct daily checks on the lift truck and more thorough inspections on a weekly basis and every month. The following inspections must be performed on the forklift:
Forklift Brakes - the brakes are a very important part of the forklift machines and therefore they must be double and tripled checked. A brake inspection is performed with various pressures and pedal heights to determine the sensitivity of the brakes. The brake lights must be inspected at the same time.
The Tires - forklift tires are also key for the safe performance of the lift truck and to the braking system. All the tires must be correctly checked to make sure that there are no punctures in the tires and they are inflated to the right pressure.
Controller - To determine whether the system is in good working condition, the lift truck controller system has to be inspected by operating the forks and the release mechanism. Any indication of issues should be reported and tended to instantly. The forklift should not be utilized until the controller system has been fixed.
Steering Wheel - To make sure that the turning of the wheel is correct, the driver should check the lift truck steering wheel. Lift truck safety depends on the steering wheel responding well and functioning accurately. There are different types of inspections which could be carried out to determine steering wheel performance.
Engine Oil - the engine oil has to be checked by removing the dip stick from the lift truck engine. The dipstick will show both the oil color and the oil level. 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 need to be tested to ensure it will function correctly in case of a fire. Different kinds of fire extinguisher has to be inspected in certain ways. For example, a dry chemical extinguisher should be shaken.