Inspect a Forklift
HRSDC and OSHA report that more than 10,000 workplace injuries connected to fork lifts take place every year. Driver error is the cause of many of these mishaps. Lack of appropriate equipment maintenance and check results in numerous others. Maintenance and operation of a forklift is not just the cause of personal injuries, but also of damage to property. Forklifts can damage building structures, overhead pipes and sprinklers, and other machinery when wrongly utilized. The following daily inspections must be done so as to lessen the likelihood of forklift accidents.
Turn off the engine prior to inspecting different fluid levels: fuel, engine oil, hydraulic oil, coolant and brake fluid. The tires must be inspected for indications of wear and tear. Check the air pressure in the tires. Check the condition of the forks. The load backrest must be securely attached. Do a visual check of the top-clip retaining pin and heel. Then carry out an inspection of the mast chains, hydraulic hoses, cables and stops. Make sure that both the finger and overhead guards are firmly attached.
LP forklifts have propane tanks that need to be checked for indications of damage, rust or corrosion. Test the battery's electrolyte levels and charge. All belts should be checked for wear. Check to make sure the owner's guidebook is kept on-board the forklift inside a storage compartment. Test the seat belt to make sure the latches are secure. Test the hood latch to make sure that it is working as it should.
Start the forklift and listen to the noise of the engine to make certain there are no unusual sounds. If there are, investigate promptly. Test the steering controls and the accelerator. The service brake and the parking break must be properly functioning.
The drive control and tilt control must be checked to guarantee proper functioning in both reverse and forward. Check the functioning of the hoist and lowering control, and the attachment control. Check the horn and lights. Then check the wipers, heater and defroster to make sure they are working well. Inspect each gauge to ascertain that it is reading within functional limits.