For the use of lift trucks, there are some health and safety rules governing their utilization. Lift trucks are big industrial machinery which could be dangerous and need to be handled with safety in mind. The regulations and rules state that the driver should conduct daily checks on the lift truck and more thorough inspections on a weekly basis and on a monthly basis. The following inspections must be carried out on the forklift:
Lift Truck Brakes - brakes on forklifts are important features which must be double and triple checked. A brake check is performed with different pedal heights and pressures to determine the sensitivity of the brakes. The brake lights must be checked at the same time.
The Tires - forklift tires are also important for the safe functioning of the lift truck and to the braking system. All the tires must be checked correctly to ensure they are inflated to the right pressure and that there are no punctures in the tires.
Controller - In order to know whether the system is in good working condition, the lift truck controller system needs to be checked by operating the forks and the release mechanism. Any indication of problems should immediately reported and tended to. The forklift should not be used until the controller system has been fixed.
Steering Wheel - In order to make sure that the turning of the wheel is right, the driver should inspect the lift truck steering wheel. Lift truck safety depends upon the steering wheel responding well and working accurately. There are various types 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 would show the level of the oil and the oil color. The oil must be refilled if the level is too 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 would need to be tested to ensure it will function correctly in the event of a fire. Various types of fire extinguisher must be inspected in certain ways. Like for instance, a dry chemical extinguisher must be shaken.