There are healthy and safety regulations governing the use of forklift trucks. Any large machinery, like a forklift, is potentially dangerous and should be operated safely. The regulations and rules state that the driver should perform daily checks on the forklift and more thorough checks each and every week and each and every month. The following checks have to be performed on the forklift:
Lift Truck Brakes - the brakes are a very vital part of the lift truck machines and thus they should be double and tripled checked. A brake check is performed with different pedal heights and pressures to determine the sensitivity of the brakes. The brake lights should be checked at the same time.
The Tires - lift truck tires are also key for the safe functioning of the lift truck and to the braking system. All the tires must be properly checked to make sure they are inflated to the right pressure and that there are no punctures in the tires.
Controller - In order to determine whether the system is in good working condition, the lift truck controller system needs to be checked by operating the forks and the release mechanism. Any indication of problems must be reported and tended to at once. The forklift must not be used until the controller system has been repaired.
Steering Wheel - the operator should check the lift truck steering wheel in order to make sure the turning of the wheel is correct. Forklift safety depends on the steering wheel functioning correctly and responding well. There are various kinds of checks which can 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 will show both the colour of the oil and the oil level. 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 equipped with a fire extinguisher. The extinguisher has to be checked to ensure it would function correctly in case of a fire. Various types of fire extinguisher has to be checked in specific ways. For example, a dry chemical extinguisher should be shaken.