There are healthy and safety guidelines governing the utilization of forklift trucks. Any big equipment, like a lift truck, is potentially dangerous and should be used safely. The rules and regulations state that the operator has to carry out daily inspections on the forklift and more thorough inspections on a weekly basis and on a monthly basis. The following checks should be performed on the lift truck:
Forklift Brakes - brakes on lift trucks are key features that 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 must be checked at the same time.
The Tires - the tires are also vital to the safe functioning of the truck and to the braking system. All the tires have to be inspected correctly to ensure 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 know that the system is in good working order. Any sign of issues must immediately reported and tended to. The lift truck must not be used until the controller system has been repaired.
Steering Wheel - In order to make sure that the turning of the wheel is right, the driver should inspect the lift truck steering wheel. Forklift safety depends upon the steering wheel responding well and working precisely. There are different types of checks which could be performed to determine steering wheel performance.
Engine Oil - the engine oil needs to be checked by removing the dip stick from the lift truck engine. The dipstick would show both the oil color and the level of the oil. The oil should be refilled if the level is very low. If the colour is off, there might be contamination happening.
Fire Extinguisher - lift trucks are required by law to carry a fire extinguisher. This fire extinguisher will have to be tested to ensure it will work correctly in the event of a fire. Various kinds of fire extinguisher need to be checked in specific ways. For instance, a dry chemical extinguisher must be shaken.