For the use of forklifts, there are a few health and safety rules governing their use. Forklifts are big industrial machinery that could be dangerous and need to be handled with safety in mind. The regulations and rules state that the operator should perform daily inspections on the lift truck and more thorough checks on a weekly basis and every month. The following inspections should be done on the forklift:
Lift Truck Brakes - the brakes are a very essential part of the lift truck machines and thus they must be double and tripled checked. A brake inspection is performed with different pedal heights and pressures to determine the sensitivity of the brakes. The brake lights should 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 need to be checked properly to ensure they are inflated to the proper pressure and that there are no punctures in the tires.
Controller - In order to know whether the system is in good working condition, the forklift controller system needs to be inspected by operating the forks and the release mechanism. Any hint of problems must be reported and tended to instantly. The lift truck should not be used until the controller system has been repaired.
Steering Wheel - In order to make certain that the turning of the wheel is right, the operator should check the forklift steering wheel. Forklift safety depends upon the steering wheel responding well and working precisely. There are a variety of inspections which could be done to determine steering wheel performance.
Engine Oil - the Removing the oil dip stick from the engine with help determine if the engine requires oil. The dipstick would show both the oil level 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 work correctly in the event of a fire. Various types of fire extinguisher must be checked in certain ways. Like for instance, a dry chemical extinguisher should be shaken.