PRE-OPERATIONAL FORKLIFT INSPECTION
Before you can operate a forklift, you’re going to need to DO Pre-Operational Forklift Inspection. This should go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: if a forklift has been taken to service because it’s defective, needs repair, or is in any other way unsafe, never return it to service until the problem has been resolved.
The forklift operator should preform two inspections:
- - Pre-operational visual inspection with key off
- - Operational inspection with engine running
We’ll cover both inspections in this section, starting with the pre-operational inspection.
If the forklift operator determines that the forklift needs repair or servicing as a result of the inspections, the forklift must be immediately removed from service.
General Pre-Operational Inspection Items
Before the forklift is turned on, visually inspect the following:
- - Oil level
- - Water level
- - Hydraulic fluid level
- - Hydraulic hoses (look for leaks, cracks, or any other defects)
- - Mast chains (look for cracks, breaks, or any other defects). Use a stick or similar device to check the chain tension. The forklift - - operator should never place a hand into the mast.
- - Tires, including condition and pressure (be sure to inspect for cuts and gouges)
- - Forks (check the condition, including the top clip retaining pin and heel
- - Loaded backrest extension
- - Finger guards
- - Safety decals and nameplates (make sure they are all in place and legible; check that the information on the nameplate matches the model and service numbers and attachments)
- - Operator manual (make sure it’s there on the truck and that it’s legible and complete–no missing or torn pages, etc.)
- - Operator compartment (check for debris, grease, etc.)
- - Safety belt and all other safety devices (make sure they’re all working properly)
Don’t try to start the forklift before you’ve completed the pre-operational inspection. Once that’s done, start the forklift and then prepare to complete the operational forklift inspection before driving off.
