Inspect a Forklift
HRSDC and OSHA report that over 10,000 workplace injuries connected to fork lifts take place each year. Operator error is the reason for many of these mishaps. Lack of appropriate equipment check and maintenance causes numerous others. Forklift maintenance and operation is not just the reason for personal injuries, but also of property damage. Forklifts can damage sprinklers, building structures and overhead pipes, and other machinery when wrongly operated. The following daily check ups must be carried out so as to reduce the possibility of forklift mishaps.
Turn the engine off prior to inspecting different fluid levels: engine oil, fuel, brake fluid, hydraulic oil and coolant. The tires should be checked for signs of wear and tear. Check the air pressure in the tires. Check the forks' condition. The load backrest should be tightly attached. Do a visual inspection of the top-clip retaining pin and heel. Afterward carry out an inspection of the mast chains, hydraulic hoses, stops and cables. Make certain that both the overhead and finger guards are firmly attached.
The LP fueled forklift has propane tanks which need to be inspected for rust, corrosion or damage. The battery's electrolyte levels and charge have to be tested every so often. Seat belts have to be inspected for wear and tear. Check to make sure the owner's instruction manual is kept on-board the forklift in a storage compartment. Test the seat belt to make sure the latches are secure. Check 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 at once. Check the accelerator and the steering controls. 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 forward and reverse. Test the functioning of the lowering control and hoist, and the attachment control. Check the lights and horn. Then check the defroster, wipers and heater to make certain they are working smoothly. Check each gauge to ascertain that it is reading within functional limits.