Inspect a Forklift
OSHA and HRSDC report that over 10,000 workplace injuries related to fork lifts occur every year. Operator error is the cause of many of these accidents. Lack of proper equipment maintenance and check causes many others. Forklift maintenance and operation is not just the cause of personal injuries, but also of property damage. Forklifts can damage building structures, overhead pipes and sprinklers, and other machines when utilized improperly. The following day by day inspections must be done so as to lessen the likelihood of forklift accidents.
Turn off the engine prior to inspecting different fluid levels: fuel, engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and hydraulic oil. The tires must be checked for signs of wear and tear. Check the air pressure in the tires. Check the forks' condition. The load backrest have to be attached securely. Do a visual check of the top-clip retaining pin and heel. Then perform an inspection of the hydraulic hoses, mast chains, stops and cables. Make certain that both the overhead and finger guards are attached firmly.
LP forklifts have propane tanks that have to be inspected for indications of corrosion, damage or rust. Test the battery's charge and electrolyte levels. All belts must be inspected for wear. Check to make sure the owner's guidebook is stored on-board the forklift inside a storage compartment. Test the seat belt to make certain the latches are secure. Check the hood latch to ensure it is functioning as it should.
Start the forklift and listen to the engine noise to make sure there are no unusual sounds. If there are, investigate promptly. Check the steering controls and the accelerator. The service brake and the parking break should be correctly working.
To ensure proper functioning in both forward and reverse, the tilt control and drive control must be inspected. The functioning of the lowering control, the hoist and attachment control needs periodic checking. Test the lights and horn. After that check the defroster, wipers and heater to make sure they are working well. Inspect every gauge to ascertain that it is reading within functional limits.