There are safety and healthy rules governing the use of forklift trucks. Any large equipment, like a lift truck, is potentially dangerous and should be operated safely. The regulations and rules state that the driver must conduct daily inspections on the forklift and more thorough inspections every week and on a monthly basis. The following checks must be done on the lift truck:
Forklift Brakes - brakes on lift trucks are key features which should be double and triple checked. A brake check is done 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 - the tires are also important to the safe performance of the truck and to the braking system. All the tires should be correctly checked to make sure that there are no punctures in the tires and they are inflated to the right pressure.
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 hint of issues should be reported and tended to right away. The forklift should not be used until the controller system has been repaired.
Steering Wheel - To make certain that the turning of the wheel is right, the operator must check the forklift steering wheel. Forklift safety depends on the steering wheel functioning correctly and responding well. There are various types of inspections which can be performed to determine steering wheel performance.
Engine Oil - the engine oil has to be inspected by removing the dip stick from the lift truck engine. The dipstick will show both the colour of the oil and the oil level. The oil must be refilled if the level is very low. If the colour is off, there might be contamination occurring.
Fire Extinguisher - lift trucks are required by law to carry a fire extinguisher. This fire extinguisher would need to be checked to ensure it will work properly in the event of a fire. Different kinds of fire extinguisher need to be checked in specific ways. Like for example, a dry chemical extinguisher must be shaken.