There are healthy and safety regulations governing the utilization of forklift trucks. Any huge equipment, like a lift truck, is potentially dangerous and should be used safely. The regulations and rules state that the operator has to perform daily checks on the lift truck and more thorough checks every week and every month. The following inspections must be carried out on the lift truck:
Lift Truck Brakes - the brakes are a really vital component of the forklift equipment and hence they should be double and tripled checked. A brake inspection is done with various pressures and pedal heights to determine the sensitivity of the brakes. The brake lights should be inspected at the same time.
The Tires - the tires are also essential to the safe functioning of the truck and to the braking system. All the tires need to be inspected correctly to make sure they are inflated to the right pressure and that there are no punctures in the tires.
Controller - In order to know whether the system is in good working condition, the lift truck controller system has to be inspected by operating the forks and the release mechanism. Any sign of problems must be reported and tended to instantly. The forklift should not be used until the controller system has been fixed.
Steering Wheel - the driver must inspect the forklift steering wheel to make certain the turning of the wheel is correct. Forklift safety depends upon the steering wheel responding well and functioning accurately. There are various types of inspections which can be carried out to determine the performance of the steering wheel.
Engine Oil - the engine oil has to be checked by removing the dip stick from the lift truck 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 might be contamination occurring.
Fire Extinguisher - forklifts are required by law to carry a fire extinguisher. This fire extinguisher would need to be checked to ensure it would work correctly in the event of a fire. Different types of fire extinguisher need to be inspected in specific ways. For instance, a dry chemical extinguisher needs to be shaken.