For the utilization of forklifts, there are several safety and health rules governing their use. Lift trucks are large industrial machinery which could be dangerous and have to be handled with safety in mind. The regulations and rules state that the operator should carry out daily checks on the lift truck and more thorough inspections each and every week and each and every month. The following checks have to be done on the forklift:
Forklift Brakes - the brakes are a very important part of the lift truck machines and therefore they should 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 should be checked at the same time.
The Tires - the tires are also essential to the safe functioning of the truck and to the braking system. All the tires should be properly inspected to ensure that there are no punctures in the tires and they are inflated to the right pressure.
Controller - the forklift 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 immediately reported and tended to. The forklift must not be utilized until the controller system has been repaired.
Steering Wheel - the operator must inspect the lift truck steering wheel in order to make sure the turning of the wheel is right. Lift truck safety depends on the steering wheel responding well and working accurately. There are a variety of checks which can be performed 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 the oil color and the level of the oil. The oil should be refilled if the level is very low. If the colour is off, there could be contamination occurring.
Fire Extinguisher - lift trucks are required by law to carry a fire extinguisher. This fire extinguisher would have to be checked to ensure it will work properly in the event of a fire. Various types of fire extinguisher need to be inspected in specific ways. Like for example, a dry chemical extinguisher has to be shaken.