How to inspect a forklift before using it is easy with this forklift inspection checklist. Simply follow the instructions below and you’ll be on your way to operating your forklift safely and efficiently, while also avoiding any accidents that may occur due to neglecting this essential forklift inspection procedure.

Do you need to inspect your forklift?

Forklift is a professional equipment used for material handling, usually divided into internal combustion forklift, electric forklift and other types. The daily maintenance and inspection can ensure that the trucks work normally and reliably, extend the service life, reduce the use cost, save time and improve economic benefits

Because forklift trucks are large and powerful machines that can be dangerous if not used properly. By conducting a daily safety inspection, you can ensure that the forklift is in good working condition and that all safety features are functioning properly.

At the same time, in order to ensure the safety and health of forklift operators and other workers, local government agencies have enacted occupational safety and health regulations. Operators should conduct an daily inspection before operating the lift truck.

Has there been recent maintenance?

Before using a forklift, you should always check to see if there has been any recent maintenance done on it. This forklift daily safety checklist will help you keep track of what needs to be done before using a forklift.

If you have an old or broken forklift, consider replacing it. If the brakes aren’t working properly, replace them with new ones. Make sure that all parts are in good condition and that the batteries are charged and ready for use.

Safety check your truck equipment.

It’s important to safety check your truck and equipment before using it each day. Here’s a quick forklift walk around inspection checklist to help you remember check items that must be done every day:

• Test operating controls such as brakes, lights, horn, and steering wheel. Make sure the forklift moves freely and that the brakes are working properly.
• Check mast and overhead guard for damage
• Examine tire and fluid levels (hydraulic, brake, engine, fuel, and coolant). Look for any damage or wear and tear that could affect the forklift’s performance.
• Check for water, oil, or radiator leaks
• Ensure the forks are in good condition (e.g. straight, no cracks, no distortion)
• Test the horn and backup alarm.
• Look for potential hazards

A sample of detailed daily forklift safety inspection checklist:

Walk around your workplace.

Before using a powered industrial trucks, it’s important to do a quick walk-around inspection. Here’s a forklift daily checklist:

1. The amount of engine oil in the engine crankcase and air filter, the amount of fuel in the fuel tank and the amount of cooling water in the radiator, and add as required if insufficient.
2. Check the height of the electrolyte level in the battery, add as needed, and keep the air hole in the cover unobstructed, and the pole and the wire connector are tightly connected
3. solid.
4. Check the free travel and working reliability of the hydraulic brake and hand brake, and fill the brake fluid and remove the air in the system if necessary.
5. Tire pressure and remove debris embedded in the tread pattern
6. Check the amount of working oil in the fuel tank of the vehicle’s hydraulic system and whether there is any leakage in the pipeline and joints
7. The water level of the fire extinguishing water tank
8. The working conditions of instruments, lights, horns, etc.
9. After the above inspections are completed, start the engine, check the operation of the engine, and check whether the transmission system, brake system and hydraulic lifting system are working normally.

Operate your truck safely.

Operating a forklift is not as simple as driving a car. There are many potential hazards that you need to be aware of, and it is important to take the time to inspect your equipment each day before using it.

1. Operators need to undergo professional training
2. Check the control and alarm devices before driving. If any damage or defect is found, it should be operated after repair;
3. When carrying the goods, the specified load should not be exceeded. The forks must be inserted under the goods, and the goods should be evenly placed on the forks. It is not allowed to pick the goods with a single fork;
4. When loading and driving, the goods should be lowered, and the mast should be tilted backward;
5. Start, turn, drive, brake and stop smoothly, and slow down when turning on wet or slippery roads;
6. Be careful when driving on slopes, avoid turning when going up or downhill, and do not perform loading and unloading operations when the forklift is driving;
7. When driving, pay attention to pedestrians, obstacles and potholes on the road, and pay attention to the gap above the forklift; 8. No one is allowed to stand on the fork, or stand under the fork, or walk under the fork;
8. Do not carry goods that are not fixed or loosely stacked, and handle goods with larger dimensions carefully;
9. For high mast forklifts with a lifting height greater than 3 meters, attention should be paid to the falling of the goods above, and protective measures must be taken if necessary; when working, the mast should be tilted backward as much as possible, and tilted forward and backward within a minimum range;
10. When leaving the car, lower the fork to the ground, put the gear handle in the neutral position, turn off the engine and disconnect the power supply, and pull the hand brake well. When parking on a slope, it must be cushioned with a pad wheel.