For the utilization of lift trucks, there are several health and safety rules governing their use. Forklifts are big industrial machines that could be dangerous and have to be handled with safety in mind. The rules and regulations state that the operator should perform daily inspections on the forklift and more thorough inspections on a weekly basis and each and every month. The following inspections must be performed on the lift truck:
Forklift Brakes - the brakes are a very essential part of the lift truck equipment and therefore they must be double and tripled checked. A brake inspection is performed with various pedal heights and pressures to determine the sensitivity of the brakes. The brake lights must be inspected at the same time.
The Tires - forklift tires are also important for the safe performance of the lift truck and to the braking system. All the tires should be checked properly to ensure that there are no punctures in the tires and they are inflated to the right pressure.
Controller - the lift truck controller system is inspected by operating the forks and the release to know that the system is in good working order. Any hint of problems should immediately reported and tended to. The forklift must not be utilized until the controller system has been repaired.
Steering Wheel - the driver should inspect the lift truck steering wheel in order to make sure the turning of the wheel is correct. Forklift safety depends upon the steering wheel responding well and functioning precisely. There are a variety of inspections which 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 would show the oil level and the colour of the oil. The oil should be refilled if the level is very low. If the colour is off, there could be contamination happening.
Fire Extinguisher - lift trucks are required by law to carry a fire extinguisher. This fire extinguisher will need to be checked to ensure it will work properly in case of a fire. Various types of fire extinguisher should be inspected in certain ways. For instance, a dry chemical extinguisher must be shaken.