For the use of lift trucks, there are a few health and safety guidelines governing their utilization. Forklifts are large industrial equipment that can be dangerous and need to be handled with safety in mind. The regulations and rules state that the operator has to carry out daily inspections on the forklift and more thorough checks on a weekly basis and every month. The following checks should be performed on the lift truck:
Lift Truck Brakes - brakes on forklifts are key features that should be double and triple checked. A brake check is done with various pedal heights and pressures to determine the sensitivity of the brakes. The brake lights should be inspected at the same time.
The Tires - the tires are also vital to the safe functioning of the truck and to the braking system. All the tires must be properly checked to make certain they are inflated to the proper pressure and that there are no punctures in the tires.
Controller - In order to determine whether the system is in good working condition, the forklift controller system has to be checked by operating the forks and the release mechanism. Any sign of problems must immediately reported and tended to. The lift truck must not be used until the controller system has been fixed.
Steering Wheel - the operator must check the lift truck steering wheel to make sure the turning of the wheel is correct. Forklift safety depends upon the steering wheel working accurately and responding well. There are various kinds of inspections that could be carried out to determine steering wheel performance.
Engine Oil - the engine oil has to be inspected by removing the dip stick from the lift truck engine. The dipstick would show both the level of the oil and the oil color. The oil should be refilled if the level is very 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 tested to ensure it will function properly in the event of a fire. Various kinds of fire extinguisher need to be checked in specific ways. Like for instance, a dry chemical extinguisher should be shaken.