There are healthy and safety regulations governing the use of lift trucks. Any big equipment, like a forklift, is potentially dangerous and should be operated safely. The regulations and rules state that the driver must carry out daily checks on the forklift and more thorough inspections each and every week and every month. The following inspections need to be performed on the lift truck:
Lift Truck Brakes - the brakes are a very important part of the forklift machinery and therefore they must be double and tripled 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 - the tires are also vital to the safe functioning of the truck and to the braking system. All the tires must be checked properly to ensure they are inflated to the proper pressure and that there are no punctures in the tires.
Controller - To determine whether the system is in good working condition, the forklift controller system has to be checked by operating the forks and the release mechanism. Any hint of problems must immediately reported and tended to. The forklift should not be used until the controller system has been repaired.
Steering Wheel - the operator must check the lift truck steering wheel to make certain the turning of the wheel is right. Forklift safety depends upon the steering wheel responding well and functioning precisely. There are different kinds of inspections which could be carried out to determine steering wheel performance.
Engine Oil - the engine oil needs to be inspected by removing the dip stick from the lift truck engine. The dipstick will show the oil level and the oil color. The oil must be refilled if the level is too 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 needs to be tested to ensure it will function properly in the event of a fire. Various types of fire extinguisher need to be inspected in certain ways. Like for example, a dry chemical extinguisher must be shaken.