There are healthy and safety rules governing the use of lift trucks. Any large machine, like a lift truck, is potentially dangerous and must be operated safely. The rules and regulations state that the driver must conduct daily checks on the forklift and more thorough inspections on a weekly basis and on a monthly basis. The following inspections should be performed on the lift truck:
Lift Truck Brakes - the brakes are a very vital component of the forklift machines and therefore they must be double and tripled checked. A brake check is done with various pressures and pedal heights to determine the sensitivity of the brakes. The brake lights should 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 properly inspected to make certain that there are no punctures in the tires and they are inflated to the proper pressure.
Controller - the lift truck controller system is checked by operating the forks and the release to determine that the system is in good working order. Any hint of problems must be reported and tended to immediately. The lift truck must not be utilized until the controller system has been repaired.
Steering Wheel - In order to make sure that the turning of the wheel is correct, the operator must inspect the forklift steering wheel. Forklift safety depends on the steering wheel working accurately and responding well. There are a variety of checks which can be performed to determine steering wheel performance.
Engine Oil - the engine oil needs to be inspected by removing the dip stick from the forklift engine. The dipstick will show the oil level and the oil color. The oil should be refilled if the level is too low. If the colour is off, there could be contamination occurring.
Fire Extinguisher - all forklift trucks are required to be equipped with a fire extinguisher. The extinguisher needs to be checked to ensure it will work properly in the event of a fire. Different kinds of fire extinguisher must be checked in specific ways. For example, a dry chemical extinguisher should be shaken.