For the utilization of forklifts, there are several safety and health guidelines governing their utilization. Lift trucks are large industrial equipment which could be dangerous and have to be handled with safety in mind. The rules and regulations state that the operator must conduct daily checks on the forklift and more thorough inspections on a weekly basis and each and every month. The following inspections should be performed on the forklift:
Forklift Brakes - the brakes are a very essential component of the forklift machines and hence they must be double and tripled checked. A brake check is performed with various pedal heights and pressures to determine the sensitivity of the brakes. The brake lights must 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 should be inspected correctly to make certain that there are no punctures in the tires and they are inflated to the proper pressure.
Controller - the lift truck 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 should immediately reported and tended to. The forklift should not be used until the controller system has been fixed.
Steering Wheel - To make certain that the turning of the wheel is right, the driver must check the lift truck steering wheel. Forklift safety depends on the steering wheel functioning accurately and responding well. There are different 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 oil color and the level of the oil. The oil should be refilled if the level is too low. If the colour is off, there might be contamination happening.
Fire Extinguisher - all lift trucks are required to be outfitted with a fire extinguisher. The extinguisher needs to be tested to ensure it will work properly in the event of a fire. Various kinds of fire extinguisher should be checked in certain ways. Like for instance, a dry chemical extinguisher must be shaken.