For the utilization of forklifts, there are several health and safety guidelines governing their utilization. Forklifts are huge industrial equipment which can be dangerous and need to be handled with safety in mind. The regulations and rules state that the driver should carry out daily inspections on the lift truck and more thorough inspections every week and every month. The following checks must be performed on the lift truck:
Forklift Brakes - the brakes are a really important part of the lift truck 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 checked at the same time.
The Tires - forklift tires are also key for the safe functioning of the lift truck and to the braking system. All the tires have to be correctly inspected to make sure they are inflated to the right pressure and that there are no punctures in the tires.
Controller - In order to know whether the system is in good working condition, the forklift controller system has to be inspected by operating the forks and the release mechanism. Any indication of problems must be reported and tended to at once. The forklift must not be used until the controller system has been repaired.
Steering Wheel - In order to make sure that the turning of the wheel is right, the operator should check the forklift steering wheel. Forklift safety depends upon the steering wheel working accurately and responding well. There are various types of checks which could be performed to determine the performance of the steering wheel.
Engine Oil - the engine oil has to be inspected by removing the dip stick from the lift truck engine. The dipstick will show the colour of the oil and the oil level. The oil should be refilled if the level is too low. If the colour is off, there might be contamination happening.
Fire Extinguisher - lift trucks are required by law to carry a fire extinguisher. This fire extinguisher would need to be checked to ensure it would function correctly in the event of a fire. Different kinds of fire extinguisher has to be inspected in specific ways. For example, a dry chemical extinguisher should be shaken.