For the utilization of forklifts, there are some health and safety guidelines governing their utilization. Forklifts are big industrial machines which could be dangerous and need to be handled with safety in mind. The regulations and rules state that the driver must conduct daily inspections on the forklift and more thorough inspections on a weekly basis and each and every month. The following checks should be done on the forklift:
Forklift Brakes - brakes on lift trucks are key features that must be double and triple checked. A brake check is carried out 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 key for the safe performance of the lift truck and to the braking system. All the tires have to be correctly inspected to ensure that there are no punctures in the tires and they are inflated to the right pressure.
Controller - In order to know whether the system is in good working condition, the forklift controller system needs to be checked by operating the forks and the release mechanism. Any hint of issues should be reported and tended to instantly. The forklift should not be utilized until the controller system has been repaired.
Steering Wheel - the operator must inspect the lift truck steering wheel to make sure the turning of the wheel is right. Lift truck safety depends upon the steering wheel responding well and functioning accurately. There are different kinds of inspections which could 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 both the colour of the oil and the level of the oil. The oil must be refilled if the level is too low. If the colour is off, there could be contamination happening.
Fire Extinguisher - forklifts are required by law to carry a fire extinguisher. This fire extinguisher will need to be tested to ensure it would function correctly in case of a fire. Different kinds of fire extinguisher should be checked in specific ways. For instance, a dry chemical extinguisher has to be shaken.