For the utilization of forklifts, there are a few safety and health guidelines governing their use. Lift trucks are huge industrial machines that can be dangerous and need to be handled with safety in mind. The rules and regulations state that the operator must carry out daily checks on the lift truck and more thorough inspections on a weekly basis and each and every month. The following checks need to be carried out on the forklift:
Forklift Brakes - the brakes are a very vital component of the forklift machines and thus they must be double and tripled checked. A brake check is carried out with various pressures and pedal heights to determine the sensitivity of the brakes. The brake lights must be checked at the same time.
The Tires - lift truck tires are also important for the safe functioning of the forklift truck and to the braking system. All the tires should be checked correctly to ensure that there are no punctures in the tires and they are inflated to the right pressure.
Controller - In order to determine whether the system is in good working condition, the forklift controller system has to be checked by operating the forks and the release mechanism. Any indication of problems should immediately reported and tended to. The forklift must not be used until the controller system has been fixed.
Steering Wheel - the operator should check the lift truck steering wheel to make certain the turning of the wheel is right. Lift truck safety depends upon the steering wheel functioning correctly and responding well. There are a variety of inspections which can be done to determine steering wheel performance.
Engine Oil - the engine oil has to be inspected by removing the dip stick from the lift truck engine. The dipstick would show the level of the oil and the oil color. The oil must be refilled if the level is very low. If the colour is off, there might be contamination happening.
Fire Extinguisher - forklifts are required by law to carry a fire extinguisher. This fire extinguisher will need to be tested to ensure it will function properly in case of a fire. Different types of fire extinguisher should be checked in certain ways. Like for example, a dry chemical extinguisher should be shaken.