For the utilization of forklifts, there are several health and safety rules governing their use. Lift trucks are large industrial equipment which can be dangerous and have to be handled with safety in mind. The rules and regulations state that the operator needs to perform daily checks on the lift truck and more thorough inspections on a weekly basis and every month. The following checks should be performed on the lift truck:
Lift Truck Brakes - the brakes are a very important component of the lift truck machinery and thus they should be double and tripled checked. A brake inspection is carried out with different pressures and pedal heights to determine the sensitivity of the brakes. The brake lights must be inspected at the same time.
The Tires - the tires are also vital to the safe functioning of the truck and to the braking system. All the tires must be inspected correctly to ensure that there are no punctures in the tires and they are inflated to the proper pressure.
Controller - In order to know whether the system is in good working condition, the lift truck controller system has to be checked by operating the forks and the release mechanism. Any indication of issues must immediately reported and tended to. The forklift must not be used until the controller system has been repaired.
Steering Wheel - To make sure that the turning of the wheel is right, the operator should inspect the forklift steering wheel. Lift truck safety depends on the steering wheel responding well and functioning precisely. There are a variety of checks that can be performed to determine steering wheel performance.
Engine Oil - the engine oil needs to be checked by removing the dip stick from the forklift engine. The dipstick would show both the oil color and the level of the oil. The oil must be refilled if the level is very low. If the colour is off, there could be contamination occurring.
Fire Extinguisher - all forklift trucks are required to be outfitted with a fire extinguisher. The extinguisher needs to be tested to ensure it would function correctly in case of a fire. Various kinds of fire extinguisher need to be inspected in specific ways. Like for instance, a dry chemical extinguisher needs to be shaken.