For the use of lift trucks, there are several health and safety guidelines governing their utilization. Forklifts are big industrial machines which can be dangerous and need to be handled with safety in mind. The rules and regulations state that the operator should perform daily checks on the lift truck and more thorough inspections every week and on a monthly basis. The following checks must be carried out on the forklift:
Lift Truck Brakes - the brakes are a very important component of the forklift equipment and therefore they must be double and tripled checked. A brake check is carried out with various pedal heights and pressures to determine the sensitivity of the brakes. The brake lights must be inspected at the same time.
The Tires - forklift tires are also key for the safe functioning of the forklift truck and to the braking system. All the tires should be inspected properly to make certain that there are no punctures in the tires and they are inflated to the proper pressure.
Controller - the lift truck controller system is checked by operating the forks and the release to know that the system is in good working order. Any sign of issues must be reported and tended to at once. The forklift should not be utilized until the controller system has been fixed.
Steering Wheel - the driver should check the lift truck steering wheel to make sure the turning of the wheel is right. Lift truck safety depends upon the steering wheel working accurately and responding well. There are different kinds of checks which can be done to determine steering wheel performance.
Engine Oil - the engine oil has to be checked by removing the dip stick from the forklift engine. The dipstick would show both the oil color and the oil level. The oil should be refilled if the level is very low. If the colour is off, there might be contamination occurring.
Fire Extinguisher - forklifts are required by law to carry a fire extinguisher. This fire extinguisher will have to be checked to ensure it would work properly in case of a fire. Different types of fire extinguisher must be inspected in specific ways. Like for instance, a dry chemical extinguisher needs to be shaken.