There are healthy and safety guidelines governing the use of forklift trucks. Any big equipment, like a forklift, is potentially dangerous and must be used safely. The rules and regulations state that the operator should conduct daily inspections on the lift truck and more thorough checks each and every week and on a monthly basis. The following checks must be performed on the forklift:
Forklift Brakes - brakes on forklifts are key features that should be double and triple checked. A brake inspection is performed with different pedal heights and pressures 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 must be checked correctly to ensure they are inflated to the proper pressure and that there are no punctures in the tires.
Controller - the forklift controller system is inspected 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 at once. The forklift should not be used until the controller system has been repaired.
Steering Wheel - the operator must inspect the lift truck steering wheel in order to make certain the turning of the wheel is right. Lift truck safety depends upon the steering wheel responding well and functioning precisely. There are different kinds of inspections which can 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 the oil color and the level of the oil. The oil must be refilled if the level is too low. If the colour is off, there might be contamination happening.
Fire Extinguisher - all lift trucks are required to be outfitted with a fire extinguisher. The extinguisher needs to be checked to ensure it will work correctly in case of a fire. Different types of fire extinguisher should be checked in specific ways. For instance, a dry chemical extinguisher has to be shaken.