There are healthy and safety guidelines governing the use of lift trucks. Any big machine, like a lift truck, is potentially dangerous and should be operated safely. The regulations and rules state that the driver has to perform daily checks on the forklift and more thorough inspections on a weekly basis and on a monthly basis. The following inspections should be carried out on the lift truck:
Lift Truck Brakes - brakes on forklifts are key features that must be double and triple checked. A brake check is performed with various pedal heights and pressures to determine the sensitivity of the brakes. The brake lights must be inspected at the same time.
The Tires - lift truck tires are also important for the safe performance of the forklift truck and to the braking system. All the tires should be inspected correctly to ensure they are inflated to the right pressure and that there are no punctures in the tires.
Controller - the forklift controller system is inspected by operating the forks and the release to know that the system is in good working order. Any indication of problems should 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 certain that the turning of the wheel is correct, the operator should check the lift truck steering wheel. Lift truck safety depends upon the steering wheel responding well and functioning accurately. There are different types of checks which could be done to determine the performance of the steering wheel.
Engine Oil - the engine oil needs to be checked by removing the dip stick from the forklift engine. The dipstick will show the oil color and the oil level. 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 will need to be tested to ensure it would function properly in case of a fire. Different kinds of fire extinguisher must be checked in specific ways. Like for instance, a dry chemical extinguisher must be shaken.