For the utilization of lift trucks, there are several safety and health rules governing their use. Forklifts are large industrial machinery that could be dangerous and need to be handled with safety in mind. The rules and regulations state that the driver should carry out daily checks on the lift truck and more thorough checks every week and on a monthly basis. The following checks should be carried out on the lift truck:
Forklift Brakes - the brakes are a very essential part of the forklift machinery and hence they must be double and tripled checked. A brake check is carried out with various pressures and pedal heights to determine the sensitivity of the brakes. The brake lights must be inspected at the same time.
The Tires - forklift tires are also key for the safe performance of the lift truck and to the braking system. All the tires must be inspected correctly to ensure they are inflated to the proper pressure and that there are no punctures in the tires.
Controller - the forklift controller system is checked by operating the forks and the release to know that the system is in good working order. Any indication of problems should immediately reported and tended to. The lift truck should not be used until the controller system has been fixed.
Steering Wheel - To make certain that the turning of the wheel is correct, the operator must check the forklift steering wheel. Lift truck safety depends on the steering wheel functioning accurately and responding well. There are different types of checks that can be carried out to determine the performance of the steering wheel.
Engine Oil - the engine oil needs to be inspected by removing the dip stick from the forklift engine. The dipstick would show both the oil level and the oil color. The oil must be refilled if the level is too low. If the colour is off, there might be contamination occurring.
Fire Extinguisher - all forklift trucks are required to be outfitted with a fire extinguisher. The extinguisher needs to be checked to ensure it would work correctly in the event of a fire. Various kinds of fire extinguisher should be inspected in certain ways. Like for example, a dry chemical extinguisher must be shaken.