For the utilization of forklifts, there are several safety and health guidelines governing their utilization. Forklifts are big industrial machines which could be dangerous and need to be handled with safety in mind. The rules and regulations state that the operator must carry out daily checks on the lift truck and more thorough checks every week and on a monthly basis. The following inspections should be carried out on the lift truck:
Forklift Brakes - brakes on forklifts are important features which must be double and triple checked. A brake inspection is carried out 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 - lift truck tires are also important for the safe functioning of the lift truck and to the braking system. All the tires should be properly checked to make sure they are inflated to the right pressure and that there are no punctures in the tires.
Controller - To know whether the system is in good working condition, the lift truck controller system has to be checked by operating the forks and the release mechanism. Any hint of problems should immediately reported and tended to. The lift truck must not be utilized until the controller system has been repaired.
Steering Wheel - To make sure that the turning of the wheel is correct, the driver must check the lift truck steering wheel. Lift truck safety depends on the steering wheel responding well and working precisely. There are a variety of inspections which can be done to determine the performance of the steering wheel.
Engine Oil - the engine oil has to be checked by removing the dip stick from the lift truck engine. The dipstick will show the level of the oil and the colour of the oil. The oil must be refilled if the level is very low. If the colour is off, there could be contamination occurring.
Fire Extinguisher - all forklift trucks are required to be outfitted with a fire extinguisher. The extinguisher has to be checked to ensure it will work properly in case of a fire. Various types of fire extinguisher must be inspected in specific ways. Like for example, a dry chemical extinguisher needs to be shaken.