For the use of lift trucks, there are some health and safety guidelines governing their utilization. Forklifts are big industrial equipment which could be dangerous and need to be handled with safety in mind. The rules and regulations state that the operator must conduct daily inspections on the forklift and more thorough inspections on a weekly basis and each and every month. The following inspections must be performed on the forklift:
Lift Truck Brakes - the brakes are a really important part of the forklift machines and hence they should be double and tripled checked. A brake check is performed with various pedal heights and pressures to determine the sensitivity of the brakes. The brake lights should be checked at the same time.
The Tires - the tires are also vital to the safe performance of the truck and to the braking system. All the tires must be inspected properly to make sure they are inflated to the proper pressure and that there are no punctures in the tires.
Controller - To know whether the system is in good working condition, the forklift controller system has to be inspected by operating the forks and the release mechanism. Any sign of problems must immediately reported and tended to. The lift truck should not be utilized until the controller system has been fixed.
Steering Wheel - In order to make certain that the turning of the wheel is right, the operator must check the lift truck steering wheel. Lift truck safety depends on the steering wheel responding well and working precisely. There are a variety of checks that could be carried out to determine steering wheel performance.
Engine Oil - the engine oil has to be checked by removing the dip stick from the forklift engine. The dipstick would show the colour of the oil and the oil level. The oil should be refilled if the level is very low. If the colour is off, there could be contamination happening.
Fire Extinguisher - all lift trucks are required to be outfitted with a fire extinguisher. The extinguisher needs to be tested to ensure it would work properly in the event of a fire. Various types of fire extinguisher must be inspected in specific ways. Like for example, a dry chemical extinguisher must be shaken.