For the use of forklifts, there are several health and safety rules governing their utilization. Forklifts are large industrial machines which could be dangerous and have to be handled with safety in mind. The regulations and rules state that the driver should carry out daily checks on the lift truck and more thorough inspections on a weekly basis and each and every month. The following checks have to be performed on the lift truck:
Forklift Brakes - brakes on lift trucks are key features which must be double and triple checked. A brake check is done with different pressures and pedal heights to determine the sensitivity of the brakes. The brake lights should be inspected at the same time.
The Tires - the tires are also important to the safe performance of the truck and to the braking system. All the tires have to be inspected properly to make certain 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 forklift controller system has to be checked by operating the forks and the release mechanism. Any indication of problems should be reported and tended to at once. The forklift must not be utilized until the controller system has been fixed.
Steering Wheel - To make sure that the turning of the wheel is right, the driver must inspect the lift truck steering wheel. Lift truck safety depends on the steering wheel responding well and functioning accurately. There are a variety of checks which can be done to determine the performance of the steering wheel.
Engine Oil - the Removing the oil dip stick from the engine with help determine if the engine requires oil. The dipstick would show the colour of the oil and the oil level. The oil must be refilled if the level is very low. If the colour is off, there might be contamination happening.
Fire Extinguisher - forklifts are required by law to carry a fire extinguisher. This fire extinguisher will need to be tested to ensure it will work properly in case of a fire. Different kinds of fire extinguisher must be checked in certain ways. For instance, a dry chemical extinguisher should be shaken.