Inspect a Forklift
OSHA and HRSDC report that more than 10,000 workplace injuries related to fork lifts happen each year. Operator error is the reason for many of these accidents. Lack of proper equipment maintenance and check causes many others. Maintenance and operation of a forklift is not only the cause of personal injuries, but also of property damage. Forklifts can damage building structures, overhead pipes and sprinklers, and other machinery when wrongly used. The following daily inspections must be done so as to reduce the likelihood of forklift mishaps.
Turn off the engine prior to checking various fluid levels: fuel, engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and hydraulic oil. The tires must be inspected for indications of wear and tear. Check the tire air pressure. Check the condition of the forks. The load backrest have to be attached firmly. Do a visual inspection of the top-clip retaining pin and heel. After that carry out an inspection of the hydraulic hoses, mast chains, cables and stops. Make sure that the overhead and finger guards are attached securely.
LP forklifts have propane tanks that have to be checked for signs of corrosion, damage or rust. Test the battery's electrolyte levels and charge. All belts must be checked for wear. Check to make sure the owner's manual is kept on-board the forklift in a storage compartment. Check the seat belt to make certain the latches are secure. Check the hood latch to make sure that it is functioning as it should.
To make certain there are no unusual engine sounds, start the engine up and listen for any irregularities. If there are, investigate at once. Test the steering controls and the accelerator. The parking break and the service break should be properly working.
To guarantee proper functioning in both reverse and forward, the drive control and tilt control must be inspected. The functioning of the hoist, the lowering control and attachment control needs periodic checking. Test the lights and horn. Then check the heater, defroster and wipers to make sure they are working smoothly. Check every gauge to find out that it is reading within functional limits.