There are healthy and safety rules governing the use of lift trucks. Any large equipment, such as a forklift, is potentially dangerous and must be used safely. The rules and regulations state that the driver should conduct daily inspections on the lift truck and more thorough inspections on a weekly basis and every month. The following checks must be carried out on the lift truck:
Lift Truck Brakes - brakes on forklifts are key features which must be double and triple checked. A brake inspection is done with different pressures and pedal heights to determine the sensitivity of the brakes. The brake lights should be inspected at the same time.
The Tires - lift truck tires are also key for the safe performance of the forklift truck and to the braking system. All the tires have to be correctly checked to ensure they are inflated to the right pressure and that there are no punctures in the tires.
Controller - To know whether the system is in good working condition, the forklift controller system has to be inspected by operating the forks and the release mechanism. Any hint of problems must be reported and tended to at once. The lift truck should not be utilized until the controller system has been repaired.
Steering Wheel - the operator should check the lift truck steering wheel to make sure the turning of the wheel is correct. Lift truck safety depends upon the steering wheel functioning accurately and responding well. There are various kinds of checks that could be carried out to determine the performance of the steering wheel.
Engine Oil - the Removing the oil dip stick from the engine with help determine if the engine requires oil. The dipstick would show the oil level and the colour of the oil. The oil must be refilled if the level is very low. If the colour is off, there might be contamination occurring.
Fire Extinguisher - all forklift trucks are required to be outfitted with a fire extinguisher. The extinguisher has to be checked to ensure it would function properly in the event of a fire. Various types of fire extinguisher has to be checked in specific ways. Like for instance, a dry chemical extinguisher must be shaken.