There are safety and healthy guidelines governing the use of forklift trucks. Any huge equipment, like a forklift, is potentially dangerous and should be utilized safely. The regulations and rules state that the operator must conduct daily checks on the forklift and more thorough checks on a weekly basis and every month. The following checks should be carried out on the lift truck:
Forklift Brakes - brakes on lift trucks are key features which must be double and triple 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 - forklift tires are also key for the safe performance of the forklift truck and to the braking system. All the tires should be checked properly to make sure that there are no punctures in the tires and they are inflated to the proper pressure.
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 indication of issues should be reported and tended to at once. The lift truck should not be utilized until the controller system has been fixed.
Steering Wheel - the driver must check the lift truck steering wheel in order to make sure the turning of the wheel is right. Forklift safety depends upon the steering wheel functioning accurately and responding well. There are various types of inspections that could be done 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 level of the oil and the colour of the oil. The oil should be refilled if the level is too low. If the colour is off, there could be contamination occurring.
Fire Extinguisher - all lift trucks are required to be outfitted with a fire extinguisher. The extinguisher has to be checked to ensure it will function correctly in case of a fire. Various types of fire extinguisher should be inspected in specific ways. For instance, a dry chemical extinguisher needs to be shaken.