Forklift safety and inspections, many of our Industrial workplaces use forklifts to lift and transport material around the plant. The sheer strength and power of these fork trucks makes them indispensable, but at the same time very dangerous. Often when employees grow accustomed to using fork trucks they tend to forget the safety hazards involved in operating them.
Certified Forklift Inspections
BRight Safety Training can assist you with a certified forklift inspection, as well as training so you can avoid forklift accidents. Contact us today to arrange an appointment.
Forklift Safety
Employees must be certified to operate a forklift, after 3 years the employee must take a forklift safety re-fresher course.
Inspecting The Forklift (Avoid Forklift Accidents)
The forklift inspection is of critical importance. You should inspect the lift truck at the start of each shift, with a visual inspection of the general condition and cleanliness of the lift truck, as well as an operational check to see if it’s functioning properly. If you notice anything unusual let the onsite supervisor know.
Forklift Inspection Checklist:
- Check the floor for objects that could cause an accident.
- No overhead obstructions.
- Watch for nearby objects as you drive away.
- You have a fire extinguisher and it’s charged
- Check the following: engine oil level, fuel level, radiator water level (LPG, gas and diesel forklifts).
- Battery is securely in place and fully charged.
- No exposed cable wires
- Battery plug connections not loose, worn out or dirty.
- That the vent caps not clogged.
- Electrolyte levels in cells
- Hold downs or brackets
- That the following are not missing or loose: Bolts, nuts, guards, chains, or hydraulic hose reels not damaged.
- The tires and wheels of the lift truck are not worn out or damaged.
- Check air pressure of pneumatic tires.
- Check for cracked or bent forks.
- Make sure the positioning latches are in good working condition
- Check the carriage teeth and make sure they are not broken, chipped or worn out.
- Make sure the chain anchor pins not worn, bent or loose.
- Check for spots that might show signs of leaks or drips.
- Make sure hoses are held securely, not loose or worn out.
Checklist for Operational Pre-Use Inspection:
- Make sure the horn is working and loud enough to be heard and other warning devices are operational.
- Check floor brake: pedal holds, make sure the fork truck stops smoothly.
- parking brake: holds against slight acceleration .
- Make sure the dead man seat brake: holds when operator rises from seat.
- Check that the clutch and gearshift are working smoothly.
- All lights and gauges are operational on the dash control panel.
- Make sure the steering is smooth.
- Check to see the lift mechanism operates smoothly (check by raising forks to maximum height then lowering completely)
- Tilt mechanism moves smoothly, holds (check by tilting mast all the way forward and backward)
- Cylinders and hoses: not leaking after above checks.
- No unusual sounds
- Only qualified people should service and maintain forklifts.
Training
Please review our forklift safety course outline below, and contact us if you have any questions regarding our forklift safety program or certified forklift inspections.
