For the use of forklifts, there are a few safety and health rules governing their utilization. Lift trucks are large industrial machinery that can be dangerous and have to be handled with safety in mind. The rules and regulations state that the operator must perform daily inspections on the lift truck and more thorough inspections on a weekly basis and every month. The following checks need to be done on the lift truck:
Forklift Brakes - brakes on lift trucks are important features that must be double and triple checked. A brake inspection is done with various pedal heights and pressures to determine the sensitivity of the brakes. The brake lights should be checked 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 correctly checked to ensure that there are no punctures in the tires and they are inflated to the right pressure.
Controller - the forklift controller system is inspected by operating the forks and the release to determine that the system is in good working order. Any hint of problems must be reported and tended to immediately. The forklift should not be used until the controller system has been fixed.
Steering Wheel - the operator must check the forklift steering wheel in order to make certain the turning of the wheel is right. Lift truck safety depends on the steering wheel responding well and functioning precisely. There are a variety of checks that can be carried out to determine steering wheel performance.
Engine Oil - the Removing the oil dip stick from the engine with help determine if the engine requires oil. The dipstick will show the oil level and the oil color. 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 will have to be tested to ensure it will work correctly in the event of a fire. Various kinds of fire extinguisher should be inspected in specific ways. Like for instance, a dry chemical extinguisher needs to be shaken.